The Downer Family have farmed their property ‘Erinka' since 1939 reaping benefits of fertile soils of the Onkaparinga Valley in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. The farm has operated as a beef cattle property for the last sixty years.
Charlie and Julie Downer established Murdoch Hill in 1998 The Twenty one hectare Vineyard is situated in undulating hills where cool climate predominates and produces magnificent fruit. Murdoch Hill is the highest point in the surrounding district. Standing 516 metres above sea level.
Their passion for Adelaide Hills wines came to life with appointment of Adelaide Hills legend winemaker Brian Light . Brian’s long list of accolades includes two-time McLaren Vale “Bushing King” awards, Australian Winemaker of the Year and International Winemaker of the Year from the Hong Kong wine awards.
Brian Light’s uncompromising dedication to producing only the finest premium wines is the reason Murdoch Hill Wines delivers excellent quality and consistency. Brian’s uncompromising dedication to producing only the finest premium wines is revealed in the Murdoch Hill wines and resulted in the Peoples Choice Award at the Australian National Cool Climate Wine Show.
2008 James Halliday Wine Companion
5 Star Winery
2009 Sauvignon Blanc
90 Points—Tony Love, Adelaide Advertiser, 7th Oct, 2009
“More immediate sauvignon aromas here with a twang of grapefruit and lantana, gooseberry and capsicum that carries with it some earthy tones. Plenty of oomph in the herbaceous nose.”
9/10—Max Crus, Grape Expectations, Daily Examiner, 10th Oct, 2009
“You should compare apples with apples, not passionfruit, fine here as there is no comparison, the apples win hands down.”
Kerry Skinner, Illawarra Mercury, 7th Oct, 2009
Shaw and Smith winemaker Michael Downer played a more active role in the making of this wine for his parents’ label and from a vineyard planted on the family property in the Adelaide Hills. It’s fresh and lively with vibrant tropical and stonefruit on the nose and palate, herbaceous characters, zesty acidity and a crisp, clean finish. Drink it with a prawn salad.”
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2007 Cronberry Shiraz
4.5 Stars—John Lewis, Newcastle Herald, 26th Sep, 2009
Here’s a zingy Adelaide Hills red that is garnet-hued and send mulberry and gumleaf litter scents up the nostrils. Savoury blackcurrant flavour shows on the front palate abd licorice, mint and Cherry Ripe chocolate fruit characters integrate with spicy oak on the middle palate. Persistent berry fruit and earthy tannins feature at the finish.”
Chris Shanahan, Sunday Canberra Times, 27th Sep, 2009
“The Downer family’s Murdoch Hill, made by Brian Light and Michael Downer, is the more robust of the two—it’s rounder and a touch more alcoholic with juicy, savoury shiraz flavours and extra palate weight derived from oak maturation.”
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