Hoddles Creek - Chardonnay - 2023

Spring frosts and terrible flowering resulted in the lowest yield on record. Will be long-lived says Franco D’Anna. Gee, this is an intense iteration of HCE Chardonnay! Very concentrated. Melon, lime, spice and aniseed, almond too. The texture is very flinty and firm, the acidity is mouth-watering and offers plenty of zip, and there’s some nutty umami flavours in the mix too. Length is excellent. Preserved lemon and green olive in the aftertaste. It’s perhaps a little less ‘user-friendly’ as a young wine than is usual, but wow, it’s quite something. 94+ Points Gary Walsh, Wine Front