Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2022

Hoddles Creek Estate was established in 1997 when the D'Anna family decided to establish a vineyard on the property that has been in the family since 1960. The vineyard sits astride Gembrook road and adjacent Hoddles Creek. Its steeply sloping blocks prohibit mechanical harvesting, with both vineyards being hand pruned and harvested. All wines are single vineyard and estate grown.

White peach, grapefruit, fennel, spicy cinnamon and arrowroot biscuit oak, almond, subtle struck match. Apple, fresh apricot, and citrus, a very firm and tight line of acidity – quite some zing here – though the intensity of flavour and length are outstanding. Some savoury lees work adding complexity and smoothness. Finishes flinty with lots of textural highlights, ginger and superb length. Wonderful. Date: Oct 2023; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $70; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2033+; Rated: 95+ Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front