2025 Wickhams Road Pinot Noir, Gippsland

Picked a touch earlier than normal due to onset of heat. I like this a lot. While the new Wickhams Road Tasmanian is my pick at this early juncture, this is the one with the most upside. A very bright crimson-ruby red. Savoury, with aromas of ripe strawberries, rose bush and spice. There's good depth, too, on the well-structured palate. I imagine this will be in its ideal drinking window six to 12 months from now.

94+ points Special Value Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Wickhams Road Pinot Noir from Gippsland is a finely balanced and expressive cool climate Pinot Noir, drawn from one of Victoria’s most consistently elegant Pinot regions. Gippsland’s rolling hills, high rainfall and cooling Bass Strait influences create long growing seasons that favour perfume, freshness and fine tannin structure. The vineyards supplying this wine are typically planted on well drained loam and clay based soils, producing Pinot Noir with bright red fruit, savoury detail and natural acidity rather than overt ripeness.

Wickhams Road is the second label of Hoddles Creek Estate, and it benefits directly from the same vineyard insight and disciplined winemaking approach that have made Hoddles Creek one of Victoria’s most respected cool climate producers. The Gippsland Pinot Noir is crafted to highlight regional character in an approachable, food friendly style. Fruit is harvested for balance, gently handled in the winery and matured with restrained oak to support texture and complexity without dominating the fruit. The emphasis is on clarity, drinkability and regional honesty.

In the glass the wine shows a bright ruby colour with excellent clarity. Aromas are lifted and inviting, offering wild strawberry, red cherry and cranberry layered with subtle spice, dried herbs and a light earthy note. The palate is medium bodied and supple, delivering pure red fruit flavours, soft, silky tannins and a fresh, savoury finish driven by natural acidity. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, duck, mushroom dishes and grilled salmon. While designed for early enjoyment, it also has the balance to develop over five to seven years, gaining more forest floor and savoury complexity as it matures.

Wickhams Road Pinot Noir from Gippsland is a charming and well made cool climate Pinot Noir, offering elegance, freshness and regional character at excellent value.