2012 Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir (Yarra Valley)

This wine has become one of my automatic cellar inclusions each year. The 2012 keeps up the superb value for money tradition.

Needs another year or so in bottle but it’s already pretty damn drinkable. It’s lithe, balanced and has a nice touch of mid-palate richness. Flavours of cherry, five spice, orange peel, and touches of smokiness and undergrowth. Oak is nicely integrated.  I think this wine might be at its most enjoyable over the next few years, but the fruit, structure, and balance all suggest it will go the long haul as well.

Rated: 4 Stars
RRP: $19
ABV: 13.2%
Drink: 2014-2021
Website: www.hoddlescreek.com.au


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2012 Hoddles Creek Chardonnay (Yarra Valley)

A part of the amazing affordability that Hoddles Creek offers is driven by the fact that winemaker Franco D’anna releases his wines very early. The downside to this is that when you excitedly crack open what you are pretty sure is going to be a damn good wine, you are often left a bit underwhelmed on day 1 by something that seems a bit disjointed and raw.

And so it was with this wine. Never fear though. By day 3 this was singing. Lovely citrus and grapefruit meets some appealing funk, mainly a cheesy funk that is. Intensity, generosity and stonefruit sweetness through the mid-palate, which carries through to a lengthy finish. Nutty and spicy notes are sprinkled in there for good measure. 

Give it a couple of years and there will be much chardonnay joy to be had with this little number.

 

Rated:

+


Drink: 2015-2020
RRP: $19
ABV: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au



Red