2019 Murdoch Hill Artisan Series Surrey Pinot Meunier, Adelaide Hills

2019's Surrey is drawn from a small single vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley, an elevated (550 metres) northwest-facing parcel that is home to 20-plus-year-old vines. A dry, warm growing season resulted in an early harvest and concentrated fruit. This was wild-fermented in small-batch, open fermenters with 40% whole bunches.

Maturation took place in barriques and puncheons (20% new Stockinger oak) for six months. In the right hands Meunier's stock continues to rise in Australia, and this is a great example of why. It's a wonderfully elegant and savoury red, with a juicy, cherry, plum and sappy-noted palate and a vibrant and mouth-watering close.