International Fine Wines
International Fine Wines
International Fine Wines
International Fine Wines
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Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Chardonnay 2023

$82.00
Out of stock
Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Chardonnay 2023
Producer Hoddles Creek Estate
Region, Country Yarra Valley, Australia
Bottle Size 750ml
Case Size 6
Product Code 23807-750

The fruit comes from Hoddles Creek's Top Paddock vineyard, which was originally planted entirely to Pinot Noir. In 2003, Franco d'Anna decided to graft one block over mass-selection Chardonnay (clones 95, 96, 277) on an east-facing slope on the crest of the hill. Positioned 50 metres higher than the other Chardonnay, these vines work harder in poorer soils and naturally crop at one tonne per acre. Franco does minimal shoot-thinning and positioning in spring. 

The Chardonnay is picked in the early morning and chilled down to 2⁰C for 12 hours. Then it is gently destemmed (not crushed) and pressed to tank. The juice is left to settle clear for seven days and then fermented using cultured and natural yeasts. The wine remains in cask for 12 months with occasional bâtonnage before bottling with no fining, filtration or stabilisation.

Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Chardonnay 2023

Reviews

“This is distinct chardonnay, not just for being the 1er chardonnay of Hoddles Creek, but generally. It throws out warm spice and creamy, woody scents with strong sea spray, grilled nuts and lifted sherry on green apple, lime and brined chicken stock. Exotic, compelling, a little out there, though those seeking generosity apply within. The palate is almost tactile with spice elements too, a little less saline than the bouquet but it’s there on grilled cashew and rolled through red apple, grapefruit and musky lime characters. Somewhat waxy too. It marches to its own beat. It nods in the direction of southern Burgundy’s more left of centre producers, and those, like Hoddles, that let their wines get air, and hang out in barrels and cellars longer. Texture flows and spreads amongst the prickle of that spice and minerality. Gosh, I like this.”
95 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
“Light yellow colour with a nougat, custard and spiced fruit aromas, a touch of fresh picked garden herbs too. Good depth of fruit. Although artifact characters are very evident on the nose, the palate is rich in concentrated fruit. Good texture and length, the merest kiss of oak on the farewell. This is impressive and is likely to reward a bit of cellaring, too.”
95 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“From a single block grafted from pinot to chardonnay in 2003 and which, to quote Franco D'Anna, produced "disastrous yields" in 2023. Unsurprisingly, it's a glorious wine. Aromas of stone fruits, quince, acacia honey and hazelnuts precede the palate, which has terrific depth balanced by the wine's bright acidity. The finish is saline, satisfying and long. A stunning Yarra Valley chardonnay.”
97 points, Philip Rich, The Wine Companion

Reviews

“This is distinct chardonnay, not just for being the 1er chardonnay of Hoddles Creek, but generally. It throws out warm spice and creamy, woody scents with strong sea spray, grilled nuts and lifted sherry on green apple, lime and brined chicken stock. Exotic, compelling, a little out there, though those seeking generosity apply within. The palate is almost tactile with spice elements too, a little less saline than the bouquet but it’s there on grilled cashew and rolled through red apple, grapefruit and musky lime characters. Somewhat waxy too. It marches to its own beat. It nods in the direction of southern Burgundy’s more left of centre producers, and those, like Hoddles, that let their wines get air, and hang out in barrels and cellars longer. Texture flows and spreads amongst the prickle of that spice and minerality. Gosh, I like this.”
95 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
“Light yellow colour with a nougat, custard and spiced fruit aromas, a touch of fresh picked garden herbs too. Good depth of fruit. Although artifact characters are very evident on the nose, the palate is rich in concentrated fruit. Good texture and length, the merest kiss of oak on the farewell. This is impressive and is likely to reward a bit of cellaring, too.”
95 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“From a single block grafted from pinot to chardonnay in 2003 and which, to quote Franco D'Anna, produced "disastrous yields" in 2023. Unsurprisingly, it's a glorious wine. Aromas of stone fruits, quince, acacia honey and hazelnuts precede the palate, which has terrific depth balanced by the wine's bright acidity. The finish is saline, satisfying and long. A stunning Yarra Valley chardonnay.”
97 points, Philip Rich, The Wine Companion

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