The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir 2023
3 bottles        Thousand Candles Gathering Field Pinot Noir 2022
3 bottles        Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2023
3 bottles        In Dreams Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir 2023
I could write a tasting note that goes something like this: brightly coloured, there are aromas of small red fruits, gentle spice and some rose petal. And that the light- to medium-bodied and mouth-filling palate finishes with just the right amount of silky tannins. Or, I can simply say that the number one contender for Australia's best value pinot is in no danger of relinquishing the title! Drink to: 2028; Price: $26.00; Alcohol: 13.2%; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Thousand Candles Gathering Field Pinot Noir 2022
All MV6 clone and 10–30% whole bunches. A light, bright ruby red. Another delicate yet well-defined pinot from Stuart and the team at Thousand Candles. Aromas of wild strawberries, red cherries and fresh rose petals Light to medium bodied and gently sinewy on the palate, finishing with silky, persistent tannins. This is delicious now but will be even better 2–3 years from now. Just as good and just as well priced as the very good '21. Drink to: 2028; Price: $36.00; Date Tasted: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2023
Some whole bunches and matured in a combination of seasoned and new oak (25%). A very bright crimson. Gorgeous aromatics redolent of picked red cherries, wild strawberry and potpourri. Equally vibrant and energetic on the palate, it's so well balanced that, while delicious now, it will continue improving for quite a few years to come. That it's so well priced is the icing on the cake. Drink to: 2031; Price: $35.00; Date Tasted: Feb 2024; Alcohol: 13%; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

In Dreams Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2023
A blend focusing on the township of Seville East in the Upper Yarra Valley but also incorporating fruit from Coldstream and Yarra Glen. A small percentage of whole bunches. A bright, ruby red. An aromatic bouquet of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries and a little briar. Just as good on the medium-bodied, crunchy-fruited and energetic palate. Pliant tannins round out a wine that will still be drinking well a decade from now. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $35.00; Drink by: 2033; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion