98 Points - Campbell Mattinson
Murdoch Hill is one of the most exciting wine producers in the Adelaide Hills; consistently producing stunning examples of the region's hero varietals. Nestled in the undulating hills of Oakbank, the Estate vineyards were planted by the Downer family in 1998.
The 2022 Murdoch Hill Apollo Pinot Noir is the third release of this wine, with the 2022 made from grapes grown on the family’s recently acquired Lenswood Vineyard. This opens with lifted perfume of red fruits, dark cherry and savoury spice. The mouth-watering palate delivers impeccable fruit purity, impressive weight and a velvety texture with silky tannins. A stunning example of Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir that has attracted high acclaim, our limited stocks will not last long.
"98 Points. The wine is called Apollo, and when you taste it, it takes you to the stars. This wine is so good, and so distinct, that it's tempting to say that it redefines what is possible with pinot noir and the Adelaide Hills. It's complex. It's structured. It's Italianate. It's varietal. And it's itself. It brings smoked, ripe, berried fruit to the table and then layers woodsy herbs, gunmetal, twigs and peppers throughout. It's a big statement in measured, precise voice. Wow. Seriously. Wow. 13% alc. Drink: 2025 - 2035. Screwcap. $91."- Campbell Mattinson, winecompanion.com.au.
"94+ Points. Lenswood fruit. Whiffs of cap gun, warm slate, a bit of flint too, plus dark cherry, salted liquorice. Savoury start, very. Smoky and flinty to taste, an override on dark cherry fruit, plum, licks of liquorice again and lingers with smokiness again. Tannins are grippy and Italianate, but the savoury and herbal elements rule. A caveat for some. Structured, serious pinot noir. A bottle opened day before: less of the savoury elements, chewy, juicy, dark fruited and the tannins ripping with authority. More fruit and herb and spice here. A better wine. Tasted : Jun-23. 13% alc. $91. Screwcap. Drink: 2023 - 2030"- Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.
