Hoddles Creek Estate - Pinot Noir 1996

Finally an Australian pinot that tastes like a New Zealand one!

I have to confess I have a great love of the New Zealand pinots - the taste they have is what I, rightly or wrongly, judge all pinots by.

Here in Darwin we describe the distinctive smell of a good pinot as having a cockroach smell. Far from being insulting this is a high compliment.

The 2006 is a clear red and has an earthy nose with hints of fruit - cherry, plum and maybe a hint of tomato (?) Then in the mouth the promises of the nose follow through with the berry tastes exploding in the mouth - well balanced - not too much acid not too much tannin - the taste has good length - just lingers on the palate.

Another great thing about this wine is that you can get it for less than $20

Hoddles Creek Estate Winery is in the Yarra Valley in Victoria - and looks like there is one winery that can create a good pinot noir and not charge an arm and a leg for the experience.