Description
Adrian Rodda has been involved in making wine since 1998, spending more than decade at Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley. In 2010, Adrian moved to Beechworth in the North East of Victoria to produce a Chardonnay from the Smiths Vineyard, the oldest vineyard in modern Beechworth viticulture. In 2012, Adrian commenced the “Chardonnay Project” whereby he sources grapes from the Willow Lake Vineyard in the Yarra Valley and vinifies them in parallel with the Smiths Vineyard Chardonnay. In 2017, a third single vineyard Chardonnay was produced from the Baxendale Vineyard at Whitlands in the cool upper reaches of North East Victoria.
Since 2011, the range has also included a Bordeaux Blend, based around Cabernet Sauvignon also sourced from the Smiths Vineyard, and a Tempranillo from the Aquila Audax Vineyard, Adrian’s first foray with a Mediterranean variety.
Sitting on the top of the escarpment, this prized vineyard is planted at 580 metres above sea level in deep, shaley, mudstone soils of Beechworth. Vineyard Owner/Operator Mark Walpole (ex-Brown Brothers Viticulturist) employs a fastidious viticultural approach that combines arched-cane pruning with judicious leaf plucking and fruit thinning. This, in conjunction with the inherent suitability of the site to the variety, ensures the desired fruit flavor profile and tannin maturation is achieved in the vineyard.
After hand harvesting, the majority of fruit was de-stemmed without crushing and cold soaked for three days. A small parcel of 100 percent whole bunches was fermented separately making up approximately 18 percent of the final blend. During fermentation, the timing and combination of pump-overs, rack and returns, pigeage and plunging was to preserve aromatics and perfume yet extract adequate tannins for structure and length. Post-fermentation, the wine was held on skins for a further 14 days before being pressed to French oak hogsheads (36% new) for a 15 month elevage.
Lifted aromas of black fruits, spiced plums and pepper are complexed by hints of mocha, violets and that signature Tempranillo cola character. The soft, silky fruit weight seamlessly flows into the savoury yet fine tannins giving the palate a firm, focused line that is complete and satisfying. Super smart tempranillo from Beechworth
94 Points, Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion “Coffee grounds, chicory, peppercorns, cola and ripe black cherry. It’s attractively fruited but, unlike many a tempranillo, it’s not too fruit-sweet and manages to play many savoury cards. There’s a positive firmness and dryness to the finish; it feels polished, structured and complete.”
92 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Juicy cherry, spicy, ripe raspberry, some perfume here of herbs and flowers. Medium-bodied, some chew to tannin, cola, a bit of citrus zest, acidity even a bit ‘mineral’, and solid finish. “
RRP $48 Our Price $39.99
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