Home Hill & Hoddles Creek - Outstanding Pinots + Best $26 AU Chardy Ever!

Pinot doesn’t last long around here!

Over the years we’ve learnt that when you find a good one, you buy as much as you can afford, and then a little extra, because you know you’ll be kicking yourself in the not-too-distant future when the last bottle sells out!

The big problem these days is that even entry level wines like Hoddles Creek are being placed on limited allocation, with insufficient quantities to satisfy everyone. As the allure of Pinot continues to grow and Burgundy prices head into unchartered territory, reliable new world Pinots are standing out as worldwide bargains. Home Hill and Hoddles Creek are two local wineries that many Aussie pinot enthusiasts have a love affair with. In fact, the 2018 Home Hill was one of the most exceptional Aussie Pinots I have tried in recent years and not a month goes by when someone doesn’t ask if we still have some. Whilst the 2019 wasn’t made, and the 2020 was a lighter vintage needing time to put on extra weight but never going to reach the heights of its predecessor, talk is that the 2021 vintage is back on song. I opened a bottle this morning and am delighted to say that this wine has all those spectacular Home Hill hallmarks, immediate pure fruit that romances the senses, an all-round mouthfeel with hints of whole bunch and fine silky tannins framed by refreshing acidity (6-12 months in the cellar will work wonders).

We will have both the 2021 Estate Pinot and 2020 Kelly’s Reserve Pinot on tasting tomorrow (Sat 3rd June 2023, 10am -12noon) for those keen to sample these latest editions.

Also on taste will be the 2022 Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot and Chardy. These wines should need no introduction by now, as this Yarra Valley brand has become synonymous with any serious discussion concerning the best value for money Chardy/Pinot duo in the country. Despite 2021 supposedly being the vintage of the century in the Yarra, Hoddles Creek has defied expectations and delivered on another level in 2022. Whilst Gary Walsh declares it the best Estate Chardonnay Hoddles has ever made, his rating actually represents the finest 95pt (or better) Winefront rating for any Australian Chardonnay at $26 or less in the past 14 years. Amazing! The Estate Pinot was superb and immensely drinkable too, in my mind also one of the best I have tasted on release. Whilst I have always recognized Hoddles Creek as being great value for money this was the first time I really walked away thinking it’s not even a competition anymore.