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. All wines are single vineyard and estate grown.

Cherry, plum, baking spice, a little more earthy – more bass than treble here – some vanilla, thyme and mint in the mix too. It’s full of juicy red and black fruited flavour, a slight orange peel amaro twist through it, a pleasing amount of grainy/silty tannin, kind of autumnal too, a little rhubarb and spice, with a juicy and sappy finish of excellent length. Lots of flavour and a good amount of chewy texture. It’s balance of finesse and bouncy Pinot character should pretty much satisfy every drinker. Date: Apr 2023; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $26; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2030+; Rated: 93+ Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Year in, year out, the estate range woos with its quality and level of detail, yet remains a bargain in anyone’s book. Fragrant with florals, red cherries, black plums and squishy raspberries all doused with baking spices and a fleck of mint, augmented by an appealing blood orange and zest character. It’s fuller-bodied with supple tannins, the refreshing acidity just ties it all up nicely. Terrific drink. Drink to: 2032; Price: $26.00; Alcohol: 13.2%; Rating: 94 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion