2023 Murdoch Hill Apollo Pinot Noir

96 pts
Sexy premium Pinot Noir release from Murdoch Hill, precise and pure. 98 points and likely in the running for the Halliday Wine Companion Pinot Noir of the Year. Only made in limited quantities.
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
5 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$80.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 3 units left
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Description

The Apollo Pinot Noir is the flagship Pinot from Murdoch Hill and one of the best examples yet from Michael Downer’s Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills.

Planted in 1989, this site has grown into one of the most impressive Pinot vineyards in South Australia. The 2023 release comes from the original D5V12 blocks, rooted in ironstone and quartz, along with one Dijon 114/115 block that adds aromatic lift and red-fruited brightness.

About 20% whole bunch was used for structure and spice, while 40% new French oak brings texture without overt flavour. The wine is fine and focused, showing red cherry, wild strawberry and dried herb, supported by long, chalky tannins and clean acidity.

It’s elegant, balanced and built to age. This is the most complete Pinot Noir yet from Murdoch Hill - proof that Lenswood belongs among Australia’s top Pinot regions.

Tom Kline

Tom Kline

Inside Burgundy 95 Points

It’s savoury and dark aromatically, but the palate has a cooling cherry pit mineral feel with great intensity. Dark cherry, earth, brown spice and subtle raspberry are promptly wrapped up in firm, sappy tannins and long, persistent dark cherry acidity. Wonderfully poised, clean and fresh through the finish. Time in the cellar will reward.

Customer Reviews

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
Based on 5 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 4 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
5 reviews
  • CG
    Claude G.
    Verified Buyer
    3 months ago
    Reviewing
    2022 Murdoch Hill Artisan Series Apollo Pinot Noir
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Excellent

    Great drop worth cellaring

  • R
    Ross
    Verified Buyer
    1 year ago
    Reviewing
    2022 Murdoch Hill Artisan Series Apollo Pinot Noir
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    Green

    A disappointing surprise.

    Purchased 3 bottles following the strong reviews and apparent glowing support for this wine.

    I found it to be far less attractive with a green and herbaceous finish. For a 2 year old Pinot I expected some less attractive but this is definitely not an Impressive wine when compared to others at this price point. Wont be buying it again and pleased only a spend of circa $240. I would prefer to choose other options from the Tasmanian or Victorian Pinot ranks.

  • BH
    Brian H.
    Verified Buyer
    1 year ago
    Reviewing
    2022 Murdoch Hill Artisan Series Apollo Pinot Noir
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Best Adelaide Hills Pinot I've ever had

    I'm not usually a big fan of Adelaide Hills Pinot, but this is easily the best I've tried from that region. Should be for the price I guess, but this is actually worth the dollars. Pristine varietal pinot, savoury whole bunch, fine tannin backbone, long fresh finish. Wish I could afford heaps more, but 1-2 will have to do.

Crafted with 100% Lenswood fruit the 2023 Apollo displays a core of red fruit, wild forest floor aromas and subtle, woody spices. 20% whole bunch influence and 40% new oak adds subtle complexing layers producing a medium bodied wine with intensity and drive yet still displaying brightness and freshness.

Elegant, structured, and deeply expressive, the 2023 Apollo Pinot Noir is a true reflection of its site and season.

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Pinot Noir
Country Australia
Region Adelaide Hills
Australian State SA
Feature High Score
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
James Suckling
Inside Burgundy
Critic Score 96
95
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

Murdoch Hill

Murdoch Hill is a family-owned winery captained by talented young winemaker Michael Downer.

Downer splits the range in two: his clean-cut, consistently high-quality ‘Estate’ wines are excellent value and perpetually reliable, and his quirky, adventurous ‘Artisan’ wines which offer an alt-styling and different shades of the region.

With the combination of high-quality Adelaide Hills fruit grown on the family estate and the undoubted talent in the winery, this is a Hills producer on the up and up!

Murdoch Hill Murdoch Hill

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