Wickhams Road Yea Valley Pinot Noir 2023

"Cooler and drier than their Hoddles Creek vineyards, this Yea Valley pinot is the most reticent and fine-boned of this year's three Wickhams pinots. A light, bright red, this has scents of redcurrants, a little strawberry and blood orange. The palate is compact and very nicely balanced, with gently grippy tannins suggesting that this will need another six to 12 months to unfurl and grow into itself."  12.8%.  Rating: 92 Points & Special Value Star.  Philip Rich.  James Halliday Wine Companion.

"I forget what Franco said on his little back label spiel, as I’ve given the bottle away, though it was something along the lines of ‘High acidity from this site, so no need for adds’.  It’s a bit spicy and mulchy, poached strawberry and raspberry, a little mint and floral perfume. It’s crisp, sappy, lively, a smudgy feel to tannin, slightly smoky and tobacco-laced, with a juicy finish of good length, gentle dusty tannin trailing. Nice. Touch and go for 91 points really."  Rated: 90 Points.  Gary Walsh.  The Wine Front.

"Bright colour and a fresh clean cherry aroma, uncomplicated and inviting. Light-bodied and fresh, with an undertow of fine tannins that firm up the palate and keep it above the 'light and pretty' category. A fine additon to this great-value line"  Huon Hooke.  The Real Review.