Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.
Bibendum Wine Co.

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Murdoch Hill Landau Syrah 2022

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Murdoch Hill Landau Syrah 2022
Producer Murdoch Hill
Region, Country Adelaide Hills, Australia
Bottle Size 750ml
Case Size 6
Product Code 22988-750

You might think it would be no easy feat to follow up the knockout 2021 vintage but Michael Downer has pulled it off with aplomb. “The Landau 2021 was among the top-scoring wines last year and the 2022 version is no different,” was how Ned Goodwin MW prefaced his note.. 2022 was another great year at this address, with cool conditions and plenty of rain promoting a prolonged, even season. The resulting fruit was exceptional: perfect ripeness and complex, layered profiles.

Though not the most expensive bottling in the range, Landau is in many ways Downer’s signature wine. It comes from a single parcel of vines at Murdoch Hill’s Landau block in Oakbank. It’s a predominately east-facing slope at 400 metres above sea level on shallow, red loam soils with varying levels of schist rock and a vein of ironstone. The vines were planted in 1998. Oakbank’s warmer, sunny days allow the Syrah to fully ripen while the afternoon breezes and cool nights promote natural acidity. The block is sustainably managed according to organic principles, with zero herbicides.

Downer’s style has always channelled the elegant, spicier side of Adelaide Hills Syrah. Cool-fruited freshness and lacy tannins form the foundation, while whole bunches, whole berries and restrained oak add the colour between the lines. The 2022 fermented with 20% whole bunches and was raised in older oak puncheons (just 15% new) and demi-muids for 10 months.

Ned’s note does not oversell the quality.

Murdoch Hill Landau Syrah 2022

Reviews

“Among the vanguard of exceptional Australian shiraz. Or syrah as it is called here for the sake of differentiating this lithesome, aromatic and mid-weighted expression from the yeomen of warmer zones. Exceptional aromas of violets, crushed blueberries, white pepper, cloves, olives, saucisson and nori. The mid-palate is a sinuous concourse of measured generosity and freshness. The tannins, supple and impeccably shaped. The finish, long and energetic, without being obvious. In fact, nothing here is obvious, which is what makes for such exceptional drinking. If asked my favorite Australian syrah, this would be with the four or five gushed in the first breath. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
96 points, Ned Goodwin MW, jamessuckling.com
“This isn't your average gear. It's savoury, smoky, nutty, peppery and reductive, with splashes of fragrant herbs and dried flowers flying through bright, refreshing, dark cherried fruit. It carries energy, nuance, flare and joy, which sounds a bit wild, but it's also both balanced and sound, the distinct impression throughout one of intricacy. The 2021 release was our Shiraz of the Year; this 2022 is in the same mould and of similar quality.”
96 points, Campell Mattinson, The Wine Companion

Reviews

“Among the vanguard of exceptional Australian shiraz. Or syrah as it is called here for the sake of differentiating this lithesome, aromatic and mid-weighted expression from the yeomen of warmer zones. Exceptional aromas of violets, crushed blueberries, white pepper, cloves, olives, saucisson and nori. The mid-palate is a sinuous concourse of measured generosity and freshness. The tannins, supple and impeccably shaped. The finish, long and energetic, without being obvious. In fact, nothing here is obvious, which is what makes for such exceptional drinking. If asked my favorite Australian syrah, this would be with the four or five gushed in the first breath. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
96 points, Ned Goodwin MW, jamessuckling.com
“This isn't your average gear. It's savoury, smoky, nutty, peppery and reductive, with splashes of fragrant herbs and dried flowers flying through bright, refreshing, dark cherried fruit. It carries energy, nuance, flare and joy, which sounds a bit wild, but it's also both balanced and sound, the distinct impression throughout one of intricacy. The 2021 release was our Shiraz of the Year; this 2022 is in the same mould and of similar quality.”
96 points, Campell Mattinson, The Wine Companion

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