Booze Brothers

The Downer family have had a long association with the Adelaide Hills and wine and spirits so it was only natural that Charlie and Julie Downer established Murdoch Hill in 1998. They promptly appointed Adelaide Hills expert Brian Light as contract winemaker. 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.

There are more and more Adelaide Hills Sauv Blancs coming out of the woodwork but this is one of the more reliable. It's young and vibrant with an abundance of tropical, lychee and gooseberry with refreshing acidity that gives it a clean and crisp finish.

"This lovely savvy-B not only cleans up most Hillsbillies, but it slaughters nearly all the Kiwi stuff, which is increasingly catty swill... it's gentle, savoury and delicious, with its varietal edgy grassiness wrapped in an unctuous, silky viscosity that comforts rather than cuts... brilliantly-crafted wine from a seriously good vineyard. Squid, please!" 92++, Philip White, drankster.blogspot.com