We hand-selected all of the grapes for this wine from the our own vineyard, which is in the Upper Yarra. The Upper Yarra is higher and cooler than Lower Yarra (Yarra Glen, Coldstream, Dixons Creek) and consequently retains more acid and flavours during the growing season. This region, has become famous for intensely-flavored Pinot Noir grapes that produce wines with vibrant fruit character. The rows are orientated East-West to maximize sunlight, and planted on a steep hill. The pinot noir is trellised to Scott-Henry for greater exposure and less disease pressure. The site is planted to more than 5 clones of Pinot Noir for flavor complexity in the wine. The clones are MV6, 114, 115, GSV15 and MS1. We have chosen these clones for small, flavor-intense berries, looser clusters and color intensity.
In the context of often high prices in the Yarra Valley, these are all bargains...NEW wineries keep arriving in the Yarra Valley at much the same breathtaking rate as elsewhere in the country, but the beauty of the valley and its proximity to Melbourne is no greater guarantee of success than elsewhere. That said, two very different ventures (Hoddles Creek Estate) seem to have what it takes. James Halliday
