2025 Wickhams Road Yarra Valley Pinot Gris

Franco D'Anna's Lebron-like streak of making the best value wines in the country continues. 

It is great to see the Wickhams Road label returning to the Yarra Valley for this variety. While Franco has made some cracking wines from King Valley fruit recently, this release brings it back home.

Sourced from a vineyard just over the hill from the main Hoddles Creek estate, these vines were planted in 1995. That vine age (now hitting 30 years) brings a natural balance and depth to the fruit that you just don't get from younger plantings.

As with all of Franco's Gris, this is made with texture in mind. A little bit of skin contact gives the wine a lovely pink hue and some savoury grip, while ageing in old French barriques softens the edges and builds mouthfeel. It is complex, textural, and miles ahead of your standard Pinot Grigio.

92 points
"Rose gold or copper colour. Pears, musky perfume, strawberry, a light earthiness and spice. Good flavour, pear and tangerine, a bit of zip to acidity, fine chalky grip, with tangy finish of good length. Nicely done."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)