Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Chardonnay 2023

Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Chardonnay is a grafted single-block Chardonnay from the Top Paddock vineyard in the Yarra Valley.

Top Paddock went into the ground as Pinot Noir, and it was 2003 before Franco d'Anna grafted one block over to mass-selection Chardonnay, clones 95, 96 and 277, on the east-facing crest of the hill. Sitting 50 metres above the other Chardonnay plantings, these vines work harder in poorer ground and crop naturally at about a tonne to the acre. Spring work amounts to light shoot-thinning and positioning. Picking happens early, the fruit is chilled to 2 degrees for twelve hours, then gently destemmed without crushing and pressed to tank, where the juice settles clear for seven days before a ferment on cultured and wild yeasts. Twelve months in cask with occasional bâtonnage.

Lemon pith, white peach and a chalky mineral core, with texture built quietly by the lees. Tight, linear, long. Serve at 11 degrees and give it time in the glass. Try it with roast chicken, grilled prawns or a good Comté.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.