Wickhams Road 2026 Yarra Valley Chardonnay

 

Looking for a stylish cool-climate chardonnay from the Yarra Valley that offers exceptional value for money? You've come to the right place. This is a delightful fresh young thing that winemaker Franco d'Anna says is made with the same care and attention as his Hoddles Creek estate chardonnays. This is made from grapes grown at Bulong Estate at Yarra Junction - the vines were planted back in 1997 - and it is vibrant, fresh and well balanced. There are three chardonnays in the Wickhams Hill range and all are worth a look at the ridiculously low price of $19.99. https://www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/

Hoddles Creek 2025 Pinot Gris

 

A surprise package from the d'Anna family, who produce outstanding wines in the Yarra Valley. It is not a wine for everyone but will certainly be a hit with lovers of skin-contact wines. It is salmon coloured,  but not to be mistaken for a rosé. It is a blend of fruit from two blocks, one picked early for freshness, the other picked later for tannin ripeness from the skin contact. It is a wine of impressive vibrancy, with a savoury, dry finish. It is treated like a red wine in the winery and that gives it added tannin structure. Versatile, too. Pair with anything from a mushroom quiche to a tapas plate. $26. www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au