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. 

This wine is in its usual good form, offering red and black cherry flavours, five spice notes, flashes of mint and even fennel. It has both composure and drinkability writ large, though the fineness of the tannin and the dryness of the finish lend it, too, a seriousness. There’s an orange and perhaps even a blood orange note to the acidity, and a chalkiness too to the tannin. It’s pretty much impeccable all over. Date: May 2026; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $26; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2027-2034; Rating: 93 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front