Entry level and sibling of the Yarra Valley Pinot. This fruit is estate grown from Hoddles Creek Gippsland plantings in Eastern Victoria.

Wickhams Road, Pinot Noir, Gippsland, 2017

Superlatives are often thrown around for this brand, but gee they’re warranted. Just when it appears it’s going to tip over into sweet strawberry/cherry fruit confectionery nothingness dry red land the sappy tannins, earthy funky undergrowth and rising acidity pull this back into line. Sure, there’s a youthful fullness, but the pinot peacock tail is in full savoury bloom with a linger of studded clove/choc/burnt orange. Back the truck up.

RRP: $18
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 17.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of Hoddles Creek Estate