Murdoch Hill 'Phaeton' Pinot Noir

Background

"The Phaeton is a blend of clones 114 and 115 from two vineyards in the Piccadilly Valley. The first site lies at 520 meters altitude outside the town of Piccadilly, below Mount Lofty. Its easterly aspect provides Downer with delicate fruit, pretty aromatics and pure, red-fruited notes. The second vineyard, also with an easterly aspect but in Ashton, sits on a steep slope at 560 meters on quite shallow sandstone and hard soils, and adds forest floor complexity. Natural yields are low, providing fruit with structure and length. The altitude and aspect of both sites provided elongated, Pinot-friendly ripening conditions in 2021. Downer handled each parcel separately, both with a portion of whole berries and whole bunches (50%). Fermentation occurred in stainless steel followed by maturation in mostly puncheons and demi-muids, with a small amount in barrique (approximately 35% new) for nine months."

Tasting Note

"While Murdoch Hill is rightly lauded for the quality of its Chardonnays, this is a wine to remind us that the reds are not here to make up the numbers. This is packed with bright aromatics and bunchy freshness. Crunchy red fruits and warm earth envelop the palate, while the oakÑapparent but not overpoweringÑprovides spicy lift. Backed up by impressive tannin tension and energetic acidity, itÕs an irresistible and cultured Pinot Noir from a vintage thatÕs not short on flavour and freshness."