I didn't quite discover this but I did rate the previous vintage when many dismissed the winery as a Burgundian varieties specialist. Yarra Cabernet is flying under the radar at the moment, it those overlooking it are missing out - big time. This has the approachability of the previous (2005) vintage but is at the serious end of the spectrum with the fresh cassis and ripe berry characters being supported by an underlying savouriness before balancing acidity and vibrant tannins complete a very pretty picture. A step up and excellent value under twenty bucks. Drink: Now – 2016; Quality: Excellent; BW; WineStar© October 2008

Hoddles Creek is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but the Cabernet is a tidy wine too - if you can find it. It just goes to show you that style can come cheap - or at least that it can be excellent value. This is an elegant Cabernet full of medium bodied blackcurrant, olive and chocolate flavours, the odd 'cabernet signposts' of dried herbs and dust apparent if you look really hard. I admire wines like this. It's the kind of wine I'd like to be... If I were, errr, a wine. Drink 2008-2014. 90 points, Top 100 Wines at $20 or less Campbell Mattinson

You don’t hear much about the other members of the Hoddles Creek family; it’s the Burgundy sisters that get all the attention. The quieter members are Merlot (self confidence problems), Pinot Gris (obnoxious, boring, alcoholic, takes perverse pleasure in getting into the best restaurants..), Sauvignon Blanc (weedy and simple with a slight BO problem yet strangely popular) and Cabernet Sauvignon (muscular, sophisticated, intellectual and serious). Aromas of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, violet, dried herbs and light dusty oak. On the palate medium bodied with flavours of blackcurrant, cherry, black olive and dried herb. Fairly dense with good intensity and firm acid and tannin providing pleasing shape and structure. It’s on the olive and herb side of the cabernet spectrum but still good and ripe for my tastes. A bargain at under twenty dollars too. Rated : 91 Points; Drink : 2008 - 2014; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Winemaker Franco D’Anna worked in the family liquor store before gaining a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a viticulture degree from Charles Sturt University. Vibrantly coloured, it has a layered, complex bouquet, then a silky entry to the mouth before a savoury backbone tightens the palate; refreshing acidity to close. $18.99, S, 13% alc From Yarra Valley, Vic Drink 2010-2016 with braised lamb shanks.