2023 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay
2023 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay

2023 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay

95 pts
A. Rodda |Yarra Valley |Chardonnay
Adrian Rodda's impeccable Yarra Valley Chardonnay from one of the great elevated sites of the region.
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
3 Reviews
Price:
$55.00
Stock:
Sold out
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Description

This gorgeous Chardonnay from Adrian Rodda comes from a small section of the Willow Lake Vineyard - the Parkinson's Road Block, planted in 1979 and sitting at 270m above sea level.

The grapes were pressed straight to French oak puncheons for fermentation, with just over 30% being first-use oak. It then slept on its lees for 12 months, picking up a gorgeous mouth-feel in the process. The finished wine is full of gorgeous citrussy and stone fruit flavours, with hints of flint and nuttiness.

This is a wine that Yarra Chardonnay fans can take to the bank.

95 points
"Fresh and youthful, with lime, grapefruit, and lemon aromas enhanced by toasted cashew oak. The palate is intense and refined, tensioned with mouth-watering acidity and a long, satisfying carry. Lovely now and will age well."
- Huon Hooke (The Real Review)

93+ points
"White peach, grapefruit, almond friand, and struck match with a glossy texture. It offers nutty umami, green olive brine, and white pepper tannin grip, finishing spicy and full of character."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

95 points - "Fresh and youthful, with lime, grapefruit, and lemon aromas enhanced by toasted cashew oak. The palate is intense and refined, tensioned with mouth-watering acidity and a long, satisfying carry. Lovely now and will age well." - Huon Hooke (The Real Review)

95 points - "A striking, quality chardonnay from a top Yarra Valley vineyard. Adrian Rodda is in his element, delivering a beautifully complex wine in grapefruit, lemon curd, spiced peach, crème brûlée and a gentle almond nuttiness. Good concentration meets fresh acidity on the palate with a light thread of biscuit. A fine, expressive, cool-climate chardonnay of note." - Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points - "The nose is rich and giving with a mineral edge and notes of lemon pith, talcum powder and flint. The medium-bodied palate has fresh acidity and generous texture, showing nectarines, graphite and grapefruit. Very good. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - James Suckling

93+ points - "White peach, grapefruit, almond friand, and struck match with a glossy texture. It offers nutty umami, green olive brine, and white pepper tannin grip, finishing spicy and full of character." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Customer Reviews

4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
Based on 3 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 2 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
3 reviews
  • RA
    Rob A.
    Verified Buyer
    1 month ago
    Reviewing
    2023 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    A beautiful chardonnay

    Simply delicious! Great with grilled snapper served with chimichurri.

    Was this helpful?
  • SD
    Sharon D.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Reviewing
    2022 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    So good 😊

    Citrus intensity morphs into velvet loveliness.

    Was this helpful?
  • R
    Rosa
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Cork Dork
    5 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Cork Dork
    Reviewing
    2022 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Powerful Beechworth Chardonnay

    Lots of citrus and underripe stone fruit, flecks of mineral character, plenty of texture and acid. Oak lends subtle smokiness more than richness and the overall vibe is fresh. I’m very much a Chardonnay drinker and this is a consistent favourite.

    Was this helpful?

Complex and highly lifted aromas of citrus blossom, Meyer lemon and white nectarine combine with gun smoke and freshly grilled nuts. The palate is soft and full yet refined and complex, driven by fine acidity that flows into a creamy, velvety texture. The finish is round yet precise leaving a sensation that is long and moreish.

A section of Willowlake Vineyard’s Parkinsons Road block was planted in 1979 in brown gradational soils over clay at an elevation of 270 metres above sea level. Unlike the majority of the Willowlake Vineyard, the Parkinsons Road block has a southerly aspect, with a consistent gradient across the entire block.

Grapes were hand picked and pressed to 500 litre French oak puncheons (35% 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.

2023 Harvest Date: 14th March
Bottled: 11th June 2024

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type White
Body Full Bodied
Variety Chardonnay
Country Australia
Region Yarra Valley
Australian State VIC
Reviewed By The Wine Front
The Real Review
James Suckling
Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 95
93
Alcohol 13%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

A. Rodda

Adrian's Beechworth-based winery is essentially a one-man operation with some help from acclaimed viticulturist, Mark Walpole.

What started as a hobby has ballooned into a full-time obsession and he has garnered some huge praise for his classic yet energetic wines.

With a wealth of experience gained under the top-notch tutelage of Yarra Valley superstar winemaker, Dave Bicknell, Adrian is one of the true stars of North East Victorian Wine.

Chardonnay (of course) is his main focus, showcasing a regional series from Beechworth, the Yarra Valley & the Whitlands but he also tackles Cabernet blends & Tempranillo with aplomb.

Winemaker Adrian Rodda A. Rodda

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