-
97
/ 100
James Halliday's Wine Companion -
95
/ 100
Mike Bennie
White
Classification
Chardonnay
Variety
2023
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
Victoria, Yarra Valley
Region
13.2%
Alcohol %
5-10 Years
Cellaring
Scores
97 / 100"From a single block grafted from pinot to chardonnay in 2003 and which, to quote Franco D'Anna, produced "disastrous yields" in 2023. Unsurprisingly, it's a glorious wine. Aromas of stone fruits, quince, acacia honey and hazelnuts precede the palate, which has terrific depth balanced by the wine's bright acidity. The finish is saline, satisfying and long. A stunning Yarra Valley chardonnay. Philip Rich Published 04 October 2024"
- James Halliday's Wine Companion
95 / 100
"The lowest yield year on record, says the shelf talker stuck to the bottle. Unfined and unfiltered, of course. This is distinct chardonnay, not just for being the 1er chardonnay of Hoddles Creek, but generally. It throws out warm spice and creamy, woody scents with strong sea spray, grilled nuts and lifted sherry on green apple, lime and brined chicken stock. Exotic, compelling, a little out there, though those seeking generosity apply within. The palate is almost tactile with spice elements too, a little less saline than the bouquet but it’s there on grilled cashew and rolled through red apple, grapefruit and musky lime characters. Somewhat waxy too. It marches to its own beat. It nods in the direction of southern Burgundy’s more left of centre producers, and those, like Hoddles, that let their wines get air, and hang out in barrels and cellars longer. Texture flows and spreads amongst the prickle of that spice and minerality. Gosh, I like this."
- Mike Bennie
Tasting Notes
Made exclusively from fruit grown on the Hoddles Creek estate, this is one of the Yarra Valley's benchmark Chardonnays. The fruit that winemaker Franco D'Anna has to work with is as good as any in the Yarra Valley.
Pale lemon-yellow colour with a lifted aromatic profile showing white peaches and smoky reduction. Tightly focused on entry with stone fruits, smoky bacon savouries and a line of saline minerality adding character. Great length and while it feels taut there’s ample fruit power to carry it long.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity