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.

A close planted block of Pinot Noir on rootstock planted next door to the 1ER Pinot Noir vineyard. Being close planted, the yield per vine is approximately 65% less than the existing vines. This concentrates the fruit on the vine, as it has to ripen less bunches than normal. 

It’s a darker, more earthy and spicy wine than the 1er, more structure with a distinctly earthy ‘mineral’ character, some pomegranate and a gently sappy side, almost steely and bloody, blood plum and cherry. There’s a dried rose perfume in the mix too. Tannin is graphite and ferrous, and the finish is long, bright and spicy, with some orange peel bitterness. It’s concentrated and powerful, yet still stays frisky and fresh. It’s distinctive and very good. Serious stuff. Date: Oct 2023; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $70; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2035+; Rated: 95 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front