One need only look at the consistently brilliant reviews to gain insight into the quality on offer at Hoddles Creek. From their value propositions all the way up to their single-plot, premium bottlings, the quality and value delivered by this estate, year on year, is second to none.
With 130 acres of vines to manage in the northern reaches of the home estate in the Yarra Valley (and just four full-time staff), no one could accuse winemaker Franco d’Anna of taking the easy route. Yet he continues to expand and experiment with his range. Among the latest additions to the Wickhams Road range is the Cabernet Franc.
The source vineyard is a well-established site on duplex clay, located just south of the Yea Valley. The fruit is fermented slowly in old oak, with a small portion of whole berries. The wine matures for 17 months before bottling. Franco tells us he didn’t go into the Cabernet Franc process with a particular style in mind, but that doesn’t prevent his pleasure in seeing similarities with a vibrant young Chinon: “It’s bright and youthful, with plenty of bounce and generosity.” Sounds good to us.