Expertly crafted, the 2023 1er Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from Hoddles Creek Estate\’s Top Paddock Vineyard offers a unique taste with its use of 15% whole clusters in the fermentation process. The cool temperatures and sloping terrain result in ripe, flavourful grapes without any unwanted green flavours. A must-try for Pinot Noir connoisseurs. \”Whether it\’s $20 or $70, you can count on Hoddles Creek to overdeliver! From a year that\’s produced several superb Yarra pinots, this is up there with the best of them. A bright medium crimson, this leaps from the glass with its beguiling aromas of cherries, raspberries, rose petals and a little whole-bunch derived incense and spice. And boy, is it good on the gently textured and energetic palate. Superfine and persistent tannins round out a beautifully balanced and poised wine that is destined to keep improving for years to come.\”98 Points – Philip Rich, Halliday\’s Wine Companion, 4th October 2024, Drink: 2024 – 2034 \”The low yield year, the 15% whole bunch.Its a fine, lacy expression of pinot noir. A highlight, quite a bit of fine, almost Italianate tannin shaping with a bristle of dried herb and woodiness to it too. The fine, powdery chew laced through dark cherry, choc-coated date and garam masala spice the bouquet with all this and a lift of mint and leafy herbal elements, pepper in tow. It feels like theres quite a bit of structure here, almost architectural tannin and acid profile, edges and firmness yet still that finesse, transparency and a core of slate-like minerality to boot. Unapologetically savoury. A very serious wine.\”95 Points – Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, August 2024, Drink: 2024 – 2033 \”Actually, Ive nothing to add. Mikes review is perfection. The only thing Id say, is it maybe shows a bit more oak at this stage than is usual, perhaps due to the cooler vintage. Also, some almond flavour.\”Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, August 2024 \”A bit more oak but I would buy and cellar this in a heartbeat. Will be a beauty once the oak settles.\”Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, August 2024