A tasting in situ of Hoddles Creek wines over a weekend in April this year shows that while their pinot noir gets the hype now, the chardonnay is a slow burn and will ultimately where Franco why have his name etched in Yarra vinous lore.

Hoddles Creek Estate, Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, 2016

2016 apparently was a testing vintage, but Franco and team have produced a quality issue. Light fig, fresh vanilla nougat, small amounts of ginger snap biscuit, peach stone fruit and tropical fruit. Easy balance with fleshy riper tropical fruit profile and a hint of oak spice.  It’s certainly not trying to be top level but you get a lot of reliable chardonnay for the dollars. Well played again Franco.

RRP: $20.99
Alc: 13.2%

Wine sample courtesy of Hoddles Creek Estate