Murdoch Hill Red Blend 2021
We have 13 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
High in the Adelaide Hills near Oakbank, Murdoch Hill’s estate vineyard lies at 420 meters, where elevation and aspect bring poise to varieties more often associated with warmth and weight. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz parcels chosen for this blend face east, avoiding the punishing afternoon sun, and are rooted in sandy loams over clay shot through with ironstone, quartz, and schist. Winds funneling through the Mount Lofty Ranges moderate the climate, making this one of South Australia’s most expressive cool-climate zones. The 2021 vintage was near perfect — early rain balanced the season, and even, steady ripening brought fruit of both vibrancy and depth.
The Wine
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 20% Sangiovese, the 2021 Red Blend is medium-full in body yet strikingly drinkable. The nose opens with a subtle reductive quality that quickly resolves into green coffee, mocha, and spice. Layers of red and dark berries, plum, and red pepper follow, giving the wine both familiarity and intrigue. Extended maceration and aging in older French barriques add polish without heaviness, keeping the fruit lively and the tannins fine-grained. The palate is supple, juicy, and persistent — a wine that feels at once classic and different, making it disarmingly easy to enjoy.
The People
Murdoch Hill has been part of Oakbank’s farming landscape since 1939, but it is Michael Downer who has redefined its reputation as one of the Adelaide Hills’ leading estates. Awarded “Young Gun of Wine” in 2017, Michael is known for precision in the vineyard — multiple passes to fine-tune ripeness, strict canopy management, and hand harvesting — matched with a restrained hand in the cellar. Whole-bunch fermentations, native yeasts, and gentle handling allow each parcel to express its site. With the Red Blend, he embraces Bordeaux’s backbone and Sangiovese’s lift, crafting a wine that is versatile, characterful, and deeply rooted in the Adelaide Hills’ cool-climate identity.
Food Pairing:
BBQ Meatballs with Beef, Italian Sausage & Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes (Recipe in blog)
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
Weather shipping advisory: Orders placed during times of extreme heat or extreme cold will be held for no charge until more favorable weather returns.
South Australia is home to many of the country’s most famous wine regions and accounts for nearly half of Australia’s total wine production. The Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are known for their warm climates and powerful Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, often grown on ancient soils. Clare Valley and Eden Valley offer cooler conditions at higher elevations, producing intensely aromatic Riesling and finely structured Shiraz. The Adelaide Hills, with its cool nights and varied aspects, excels with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Coonawarra, farther south, is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon grown on its distinctive terra rossa soils over limestone.
Australia - South Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon, originally hailing from Bordeaux, France, has triumphantly spread to become a cornerstone of vineyards worldwide, achieving particular renown in Napa Valley. This versatile grape variety adapts to a broad spectrum of climates, producing full-bodied wines that are rich in black cherry and blackcurrant flavors, with layered complexities of oak and spice. The grape's success in regions like Napa Valley is a testament to its global adaptability, where it benefits from the optimal blend of warm days and cool nights, coupled with diverse soil types, to express a unique balance of power and elegance that pays homage to its Bordeaux origins.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sustainable vineyard farming is an environmentally conscious approach that prioritizes long-term ecological balance, economic viability, and social responsibility. Unlike organic farming, sustainable practices do not necessarily exclude synthetic chemicals, but rather focus on minimizing their usage, carefully managing resources like water and energy, protecting biodiversity, and reducing waste and carbon footprint. Wineries employing sustainable methods often integrate modern technology and traditional practices to improve efficiency and maintain healthy vineyards. Certifications like "SIP Certified" or "LIVE Certified" help validate sustainability efforts. However, sustainable farming differs distinctly from organic, as sustainable producers may use synthetic inputs in moderation if deemed necessary for the overall health and productivity of their vineyards.
