Hoddles Creek 1er Pinot Noir 2024

Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir 2024

From the top paddock, planted in 1997 - Franco has treated the Pinot Noir here as a standalone single vineyard bottling since 2005. 

Favourable flowering led to balanced, healthy crops that returned to historical, high yields rather than the low crop levels experienced in years like 22 and 2020. The 1er block required more shoot thinning with yields around 1.3kg per vine in conjunction with more of a focus on soil rejuvenation, using cattle for pasture management. 25% whole bunches and 12 months in 30% new French Oak.

There’s presence to the palate here and yet in flavour profile terms it feels and tastes very Upper Yarra. It’s alive with twig, spice and herb notes but then it’s also riven with pure, satiny, red and black cherry flavours, and it also has that undergrowth-forest-wood aspect that is both beguiling and so characteristic of good pinot. Cedarwood oak plays noticeable role too, as a positive, and the tannin is a masterclass; not too much, not too little, threaded intricately, gently smoky. As a young wine this release is already putting on a show but, even so, it feels built to last, and to improve. However you take it, this is a truly beautiful wine. 95+ Points - Campbell Mattinson