Murdoch Hill is a relatively new player based in Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills. On evidence thus far, it stands as one of the region’s best producers. The 2014 vintage release of ‘The Cronberry’ Shiraz follows hot on the heels on the excellent 2013 offering.
Together with the likes of Shaw & Smith and SC Pannell, Murdoch Hill presents a highly compelling case for Adelaide Hills Shiraz. No more than medium in body, it combines bright red berry fruit with a twist of pepper. It is neither northern Rhone nor traditional ‘Aussie Shiraz’, but a delicious well composed example of cool climate Adelaide Hills Shiraz.
Given the relatively modest price-tag, there’s a lot to like here, though the wine would benefit from another couple of years in bottle. Although Australia has been stereotyped for producing powerful, high alcohol Shiraz, the emergence of the Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and Beechworth as serious sources of Shiraz puts pay to preconceptions. For those seeking Australian ripeness meets European elegance, there’s plenty to like with wines of this ilk.
2014 MURDOCH HILL ‘THE CRONBERRY’ SHIRAZ
Producer: Murdoch Hill
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2014
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $25.00
Date tasted: 2 October 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby red. Attractive nose of cherry, damson and freshly ground black pepper. Medium bodied, fine and elegant. Restraint is the operative word here. Tightly coiled at present. Needs another couple of years in bottle to reveal its full potential. Good example of modern cool climate Australian Shiraz and excellent value to boot.
Score: 16.5/20
Together with the likes of Shaw & Smith and SC Pannell, Murdoch Hill presents a highly compelling case for Adelaide Hills Shiraz. No more than medium in body, it combines bright red berry fruit with a twist of pepper. It is neither northern Rhone nor traditional ‘Aussie Shiraz’, but a delicious well composed example of cool climate Adelaide Hills Shiraz.
Given the relatively modest price-tag, there’s a lot to like here, though the wine would benefit from another couple of years in bottle. Although Australia has been stereotyped for producing powerful, high alcohol Shiraz, the emergence of the Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and Beechworth as serious sources of Shiraz puts pay to preconceptions. For those seeking Australian ripeness meets European elegance, there’s plenty to like with wines of this ilk.
2014 MURDOCH HILL ‘THE CRONBERRY’ SHIRAZProducer: Murdoch Hill
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2014
Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $25.00
Date tasted: 2 October 2015
Tasting Note:
Bright ruby red. Attractive nose of cherry, damson and freshly ground black pepper. Medium bodied, fine and elegant. Restraint is the operative word here. Tightly coiled at present. Needs another couple of years in bottle to reveal its full potential. Good example of modern cool climate Australian Shiraz and excellent value to boot.
Score: 16.5/20
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