WINE > Hoddles Creek 1er, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir (95/100 points)

Hoddles Creek Estate has once again demonstrated their mastery of cool-climate winemaking with their 1er Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. This exceptional wine showcases the unique terroir of the Upper Yarra Valley and the skillful craftsmanship of winemaker Franco D’Anna and the Hoddles Creek team.

Appearance and Aroma >

In the glass, this Pinot Noir presents a vibrant ruby hue with excellent clarity. The nose is immediately captivating, offering intense aromas of ripe cherries and mulberries, complemented by subtle hints of white pepper and delicate floral notes.

Palate and Texture >

On the palate, the wine truly shines. First up it is funky you can taste the “forrest floor” there is rich flavour profile and from the first moment you are thinking mmm I like this, it is rich and there is fruit but it is much more.

It boasts a silky, smooth texture that glides effortlessly across the tongue. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of red and dark berry fruits, with layers of complexity that unfold with each sip. The tannins are finely-tuned, providing structure without overwhelming the delicate fruit flavors.

Finish and Ageing Potential >

The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of quality and refinement. This wine shows excellent ageing potential, suggesting that patient cellaring will be rewarded with even greater complexity and depth.

Winemaking >

Franco states that his philosophy is simple with Pinot Noir, you can’t just make it to a recipe you need to look at the wine every 6 hours and determine the best way forward. The tannins during fermentation change all the time, and great tannin really determines the best red wines in the world.

The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine comes from the Top Paddock Vineyard. They have just 28 rows of pinot planted in this block, which is West facing and sloping to the South. South facing blocks tend to be a bit cooler, and ripening takes a little longer hence the stalks have a chance to regain ripeness without imparting any green flavours on the wine. The crush includes about 25% whole clusters to the fermentation.

Franco D’Anna at Hoddles Creek | Image Credit Hoddles Creek

Excellent medium depth of red-purple colour, the bouquet showing almond-meal overlying dark-cherry to plum fruit aromas, while the palate is medium to full weight for pinot noir with a slightly grippy tannin backing, the overall impression being of a well structured pinot that will love to partner with food and will stand some time in the cellar. A serious pinot of impressive concentration and drive. It has the weight to reward some cellaring.”

95 points, Huon Hooke The Real Review (August 2024)

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Conclusion >

Hoddles Creek 1er Yarra Valley Pinot Noir stands out as one of the better Pinot Noirs available in its price range. It offers exceptional value for those seeking a high-quality Australian Pinot Noir that can compete with more expensive offerings from renowned Pinot-producing regions.
For lovers of elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noir, this wine is a must-try. It perfectly encapsulates the finesse and charm of Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring.