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.

Handpicked, lightly crushed and left on lees for about 11 months. There's every chance that, by the time you read this review, this perennial contender for Australia's best value chardonnay will be sold out. Nonetheless, here goes! Tightly wound and complex with aromas of just ripened orchard fruits, lemon zest and a little struck match. Saline, structured and long on the palate, this can be enjoyed now and over the next 6–10 years. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $26.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

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. Date: Apr 2024; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $26; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2034+; Rated: 94+ Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front