Hoddles Creek - Best value Yarra 

The D’Anna family established their vineyard on a property that had been in the family since in 1960. Son Franco is the viticulturist and inspired winemaker; he graduated to chief wine buyer by the time he was 21. He completed a bachelor of commerce before studying viticulture at CSU. A vintage at Coldstream Hills, then 2 years’ vintage experience with Peter Dredge at Witchmount and, with Mario Marson (ex-Mount Mary) as mentor in ’03, put an old head on young shoulders. JAMES HALLIDAY

The number 1, 2 and 4 ranked pinot noirs in The Real Review’s Top Value Wines of Australia list were made by the same hands: Franco D’Anna and his assistant Chris Bendle at Hoddles Creek Estate. With metronomic consistency these two manage to turn out pinot noirs that offer value-for-money which is rare in Australia… Is this the best value for money winery in Australia for these varieties? It’s certainly a strong contender for best value in the Yarra Valley, a region not noted for shy pricing. HUON HOOKE 2022, realreview.com

 

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We’ve just received our allocation of the Hoddles Creek pinot and chard. Allocation you say? For sub $25 wines? Yes because even though these are incredibly affordable, they’re also some of the most sought after wines going around.  These are the perennial wines that leave you shaking your head in admiration, they’re famous for overdelivering on their humble price points.

If you’ve had these before you know the quality of fruit Franco d’Anna is growing in the Upper Yarra. These are a beautiful constant in our releases, they’re a no-brainer to write up and to buy as you know they’re worth using up your drinking credits.

Glowing reviews are already in from Gary Walsh, the only downside is the yields. Spring frosts and bad flowering have decreased yields but injected intense flavours (as the vines have the same energy to give to fewer grapes). Walsh agrees exclaiming, ‘Gee, this is an intense iteration of HCE Chardonnay!’

2023 was a cooler vintage which provided great hang time for the grapes. Combined with lower yields the purity and intensity of these wines is impressive. They're a delicious ride of palate pleasure!

Last year they sold out in a day, don’t delay if you’d like to nab some. These are the mid-week wines that will level up your drinking without breaking the budget. For $24 each in a straight 6 pack (or $23 in a straight dozen) you don't need to think twice on these beauties.

Cheers

Gabrielle Poy