Producer Hoddles Creek Estate was established in 1997 and is owned and operated by the D'Anna family of 'Boccaccio Cellars' fame and success - a famous Italian grocer and importer in Melbourne. Their winery is located on Gembrook Road across from Hoddles Creek in the cool rolling hills of the Yarra Valley. All wines are estate-grown and hand-harvested, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay making up the lion's share of the property. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also planted. Tasting Note Stunning fragrance of cherry, raspberry, baking spice and some earthy undertones, there's depth of flavour, bright acidity and fine delicate tannins. The fruit was hand-harvested, de-stemmed, and sent to several different tanks for fermentation. Each ferment was managed differently, with some requiring temperature control, plunging, post-ferment maceration and, in some cases, the addition of cultured yeasts, keeping the winemaker on their toes and showcasing their ability to think on their feet - which may be an indication as to why Hoddles Creek can make exceptional value Estate wines year in and year out. "Lovely amount of perfume this year, in with red cherry and other red fruits, some cinnamon, almond, vanilla, and assorted spice from oak, subtle earthiness with a little dried herb too. It's medium-bodied, kind of light, but gee, there's no shortage of depth and concentration either. It has bright acidity, fine tannin grip, and a lively finish of excellent length. It took me one smell, and one sip, to know that I really like this vintage. A little more fine-boned. Classic styling, if you will." – Gary Walsh, Wine Front.
