Sourced from Upper Yarra Valley sites: Woori Yallock and Macclesfield. This is the entry level branding for the incredible value Hoddles Creek Estate. I’m off for a visit to the Yarra soon, and guaranteed I’ll be calling in to see the team at Hoddles.

Hoddles Creek Estate, Wickhams Road, Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, 2016

bottle shown is 2015 vintage

Light garnet red in the glass. Meaty aromas initially before the fruit evolves and shows baked cherry and blueberry tart with sweeter edged boysenberry. Some warm cinnamon spice and blood orange complete the package. Textural cherry bites before deeper red plum fruit, a whisper of tart blueberry and sweet rosewater. Fruit finishes a little quickly but leaves you with plenty of sweet spice, there’s no denying the amazing value for money. Serve up with a slightly meatier Japanese meal, such as seared tuna nigiri or baked eggplant with miso and you’ve got a great match.

RRP: $18.99

Alc: 13.5%

Wine sample courtesy of Hoddles Creek Estate