Wickhams Road is the entry-level label for the deservedly acclaimed Hoddles Creek winery. This Pinot Noir is sourced from 14 year old dry-grown vines - and it’s quite astonishing value. Winemaker Franco D’Anna must be very proud.
Such a serious and vinous nose for a $17 Pinot. Damp earth, rhubarb and forest depth with glimmers of light provided by rose petals, cherries and cranberries. So silky and seductive in the mouth. Flesh and intensity (almost powerfully so) yet it maintains a superb line. Savoury with hints of attractive, bitter complexity via wild herbs. Flows beautifully, building to an expansive finish of brown and black spice and ultra-fine tannin. Length to burn. My only concern is that I’m under-rating it. 92 Very Good
Region: Gippsland
Alcohol: 13.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $16.99
Tasted: January 2012
I’ve not tried the Wickhams. Franco must go down as one of the kings of consistency across his three ranges, seemingly able to pull out a beauty across the varied vintages of late.
Not only that, extraordinary value too. Probably under-valued (here by the sounds) and certainly the HC range too.
Yes, he’s building a legacy very quickly. I’m guilty of not drinking the Wickhams Road releases as often as perhaps I should – the HC is so well-priced anyway. But I’m buying here…