Murdoch Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Murdoch Hill is a family-run estate in the Adelaide Hills, led by Michael Downer, who has helped push the region toward a fresher, more site-driven style. The vineyards sit at altitude around Lenswood, where cool nights bring natural tension and brightness to the fruit. Farming is thoughtful and low-intervention, with a focus on expressing variety and place rather than weight. The wines, from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir and Syrah, feel precise and energetic, balancing clarity with texture. Murdoch Hill has become a go-to name for modern Australian wines that prioritise finesse over force.

Australia’s wine story began with colonial plantings in the late eighteenth century and took off through the work of early European settlers.

The wine landscape is vast and varied, shaped by a mix of maritime, continental and desert-like influences across its key regions. Its appellation system is built around zones, which focus on geographic origin rather than strict rules on grape or style. Classic varieties such as Shiraz (Syrah), Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay lead the way, with Riesling and Grenache also playing important roles, plus a recent influx of ‘Mediterranean’ grapes are also turning heads. From the bold reds of Barossa to the cool climate elegance of Margaret River and Tasmania, Australia offers a huge spectrum of flavours. The country’s modern approach champions innovation, sustainability and a clear expression of place.

The Rheingau is one of Germany’s most respected wine regions and a destination for Riesling. Steep south-facing slopes along the Rhine help the grape ripen fully while keeping its hallmark acidity, resulting in wines that are aromatic precise and driven. The region also produces a small amount of Pinot Noir which shows a clean focused style. Winemaking here balances tradition with modern techniques all aimed at capturing purity and freshness.

The Rheingau’s combination of climate soil and long-established vineyard sites makes it a consistent source of structured age-worthy Riesling.