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.
The Smiths Vineyard was planted in 1978 at an elevation of 550 metres above sea level at the cross-over between the two soil types that define the Beechworth region; the shaley red Ordovician soil and the granitic soil. The vineyard has a gentle easterly aspect with the back half of the block more south facing.
Grapes were hand picked and pressed to 500 litre French oak puncheons (37% first use) without clarification or racking for non-temperature controlled fermentation. Upon completion of fermentation, the wine was immediately sulphured to preserve freshness and acidity and rested on its lees for 12 months. The wine was transferred to tank for a further 3 months prior to bottling.
Intense aromas of ripe white stone fruit, red apple and citrus pith are complexed by grilled almonds and ginger spice. On the palate, the amalgam of citrus pith, creaminess and chalky phenolics creates a mouthfeel that is full and highly tactile yet long, intense and savour.
95 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Small yields in 2022. Dusty, cinnamon spice, almond, white peach, some vanilla. White fruit flavour, biscuitty, fine grip and stony feel to it, love the texture, and the finish is superb, a green apple tang to cinch. Terrific wine.”
LAST OF THIS VINTAGE! … Our Price $59.99
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