2023 Chardonnay
This is a pristine example of cool-climate Yarra Valley Chard, citrus fruit, white nectarine, and some flinty, smoky characters. The barrel fermentation and new oak add a rounded mouthfeel and long finish.
The fruit is all hand harvested, lightly crushed, and allowed to start fermentation naturally. Part of the juice was transferred to barrel for fermentation, and the whole lot was left on lees for 11 months before bottling. In 2023, the wine was bolstered by the addition of fruit from their premium 'Syberia' site and you can see extra intensity come through.
Review:
"Gee, this is an intense iteration of HCE Chardonnay! Very concentrated. Melon, lime, spice and aniseed, almond too. The texture is very flinty and firm, the acidity is mouth-watering and offers plenty of zip, and there's some nutty umami flavours in the mix too. Length is excellent. Preserved lemon and green olive in the aftertaste. It's perhaps a little less 'user-friendly' as a young wine than is usual, but wow, it's quite something." – Gary Walsh, Wine Front.
2023 Pinot Noir
Stunning fragrance of cherry, raspberry, baking spice and some earthy undertones, there's depth of flavour, bright acidity and fine delicate tannins.
The fruit was hand-harvested, de-stemmed, and sent to several different tanks for fermentation. Each ferment was managed differently, with some requiring temperature control, plunging, post-ferment maceration and, in some cases, the addition of cultured yeasts, keeping the winemaker on their toes and showcasing their ability to think on their feet - which may be an indication as to why Hoddles Creek can make exceptional value Estate wines year in and year out.
Review:
"Lovely amount of perfume this year, in with red cherry and other red fruits, some cinnamon, almond, vanilla, and assorted spice from oak, subtle earthiness with a little dried herb too. It's medium-bodied, kind of light, but gee, there's no shortage of depth and concentration either. It has bright acidity, fine tannin grip, and a lively finish of excellent length. It took me one smell, and one sip, to know that I really like this vintage. A little more fine-boned. Classic styling, if you will." – Gary Walsh, Wine Front.
