According to Franco, the wine “made itself this year. No adds.” He rarely gets his summation wrong.

Hoddles Creek Estate, Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, 2015

Generous stonefruit with yellow nectarine slices. Classy oak treatment shows restraint. Soft hay bale, a green slice of fresh cucumber and tiniest amount of lemon cream.
Such a pleasure to put into one’s mouth. Balanced bright fruit that sparkles like warm sunshine on a just rippling lake. A hint of oak spice and driving mineral freshness counterpoint to exquisite, precise fruit. Yet again, one of the great value wines about.

RRP: $20.99
Alc: 13.2%

Wine sample courtesy of Hoddles Creek Estate