Hoddles Creek Estate’s foray into the world of sparkling comes not from their glorious chardonnay, but from one of their unheralded grapes, Pinot Blanc. Made in a traditional method from 20 year old vines and left on lees for 20 months. 4 grams per litre of residual sugar. Diam cork.

Hoddles Creek Estate, Blanc de Blancs, Pinot Blanc, Yarra Valley, 2015

Excited bubbles and a balanced mousse/juice ratio. It’s amazing how something wet can smell so dry. Almond meal, pebbles, salada biscuit/cracker (including the salt crystals) and maybe some fine white stonefruit. Finely boned and effortless in the mouth; the residual sugar almost imperceptible as it dances lightly with a saline character keeping the appearance dry. The wine finishes with hints of lemon and white nectarine. Unique and makes one feel quite refined when tasting.

RRP: $35.99
Alc: 12%
Rating: 17.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of Hoddles Creek Estate