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.

Whether it's $20 or $70, you can count on Hoddles Creek to overdeliver! From a year that's produced several superb Yarra pinots, this is up there with the best of them. A bright medium crimson, this leaps from the glass with its beguiling aromas of cherries, raspberries, rose petals and a little whole-bunch derived incense and spice. And boy, is it good on the gently textured and energetic palate. Superfine and persistent tannins round out a beautifully balanced and poised wine that is destined to keep improving for years to come. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $70.00; Drink by: 2034; Rating: 98 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

It’s a fine, lacy expression of pinot noir. A highlight, quite a bit of fine, almost Italianate tannin shaping with a bristle of dried herb and woodiness to it too. The fine, powdery chew laced through dark cherry, choc-coated date and garam masala spice – the bouquet with all this and a lift of mint and leafy herbal elements, pepper in tow. It feels like there’s quite a bit of structure here, almost architectural tannin and acid profile, edges and firmness yet still that finesse, transparency and a core of slate-like minerality to boot. Unapologetically savoury. A very serious wine. Date: Aug 2024; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $70; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2033; Rated: 95 Points; Mike Bennie; The Wine Front