Description
Franco D’Anna and the team at Hoddles Creek Estate have a knack for crafting wines that punch well above their weight, and the 2023 Junior Pinot Blanc is no exception. This wine comes from vines planted 17 years ago on the family’s estate vineyard in the Upper Yarra Valley, where patience and dedication have resulted in a refined, characterful expression of Pinot Blanc.
Hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, the juice was settled naturally before being racked to old white casks as cloudy juice. Kept on lees until bottling in September, with minimal filtration, this gentle approach highlights both the purity of fruit and the texture that makes Pinot Blanc so intriguing.
On the palate, it’s clean and fresh with subtle layers of white peach, citrus, and a hint of nuttiness. The lees ageing adds a delicate roundness, while the cool-climate origins bring a lively, balanced acidity. It’s understated but incredibly satisfying—a wine that feels effortless yet quietly complex.
The 2023 Junior Pinot Blanc is another reminder of why Hoddles Creek is one of Australia’s most consistent producers, offering wines of exceptional quality and value from the heart of the Yarra Valley.
96 points
"A new wine from a vineyard planted on rootstock in 2006 and with the rows running east-west to protect the vines from the sun. Waxy apples and lemons together with some lemon zest and crushed rocks announce a superb example from a winery that has produced some rippers over the years! The palate has terrific mid-palate density, finishing chalky and very long. World class."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)
94 points
"A cool sort of affair here with green apple, lemon water, a bit stony, some fennel and honey/white flower perfume, and kind of nutty too. It’s saline, somewhat zesty, lots of grapefruity crunch and flinty texture, with a long chalky finish. Pithy and energetic. It’s hard to get Pinot Blanc right, but this is right on."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
| Price Bracket | $41 to $50 |
| Type | White |
| Body | Light Bodied |
| Variety | Pinot Blanc |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Yarra Valley |
| Australian State | VIC |
| Feature |
High Score |
| Reviewed By |
Halliday Wine Companion The Wine Front |
| Size | 12 |
Hoddles Creek Estate
Winemaker Franco D'Anna - Yarra Valley, VIC Discover Hoddles Creek
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Delivery is free on orders of $150 or more!
For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.
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Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.
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