Since taking over winemaking at Murdoch Hill the wines have gone from strength to strength, testament to Michael Downer’s skill and talent – the future looks bright. HUON HOOKE, gourmettravellerwine.com
Before taking the reins at the family vineyard, Michael Downer learnt from some of the finest makers, both here and abroad. He now works from the Murdoch Hill home vineyards, near Oakbank, but also sources higher into the Adelaide Hills for cooler expressions, which inform his cutting edge Artisan Series wines. Young Gun of Wine Awards
Right up there at the apex of Aus chardonnay these days, it feels. MIKE BENNIE, winefront.com
++ Winner of Gourmet Traveller’s Young Winemaker of the Year
++ Winner of Young Gun of Wine
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.
Growing up on the property, Michael has gained a keen interest in the vineyard and progressed to studying winemaking at the prestigious Oenology course at the University of Adelaide graduating in 2006. After graduating Michael honed his skills at Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills before embarking on a globe-trotting adventure. Touring the great wine regions of the world with harvest experience at Vietti in Barolo, Italy. Michael then increased his knowledge of cool climate winemaking by working at Best's, Great Western, Victoria and then later in the Adelaide Hills at Revenir winery with Peter Leske & Taras Ochota.
Michael returned to Murdoch Hill to bring his valuable experience to the family wine business in late 2011. Since his return Michael has brought his wine style to Murdoch Hill, aiming to produce elegant, vibrant wines demonstrating the unique character of both the Adelaide Hills and the estate vineyard.
