A Rodda Smith's Vineyard Beechworth Chardonnay 2024

A Rodda Smith's Vineyard Beechworth Chardonnay 2024

The Smiths Vineyard of Beechworth was planted in 1978 to four different blocks of Chardonnay. One of these four blocks is referred to as the ‘Triangle Block’ due to its decreasing row lengths resulting in a “triangular” shape to the planted area.

Facing South-East and consisting of just 183 vines, this block consistently produces Chardonnay of the highest quality. In the best growing seasons, the resulting wine is elevated to a level worthy of a premium single block release.

The fruit was whole-bunch pressed to oak 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 lees for 12 months. The wine was transferred to older oak for a further four months prior to bottling.

Pinpoint reduction, interlayed with white orchard fruit, layers and layers - this is just so deep and thought provoking, every step back to look at the glass offers something more. Spice and swathes of really judicious wood, hung yoghurt, white peaches, wanting to move yellow but just staying the course and sitting in the white floral realm. It approaches exotic but never gets there, gently meandering through this beautifully poised mid palate, weaving luscious fruit with reduction, approaching a finish of incredibly well judged phenolic, oak and acid interplay. The length is fascinating, just gorgeous poised fruit that rolls on and on. Excellent!

A bit of a sleeper at first, with airy notes of flint, nutmeg and fennel coming to the fore. With a little more nudging, spiced stone-fruits and earthy wafts of fresh moss appear. The core exudes a quiet confidence, anchored by stone-fruits layered with flint, white button mushroom and sweet spices. It’s been handled with great care and judicious winemaking lets the fruit take centre stage, although pockets of complexity arise. This is a brilliant chardonnay that delivers its greatness with ease and calm." 97 Points – Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review

Adrian Rodda is a naturally intuitive maker of chardonnay with an understanding of nuance, poise. Both come together here with the 550m high Smith Vineyard’s signature fruit intensity and granitic minerality. It’s a formidable combo. Lemon pith, grapefruit peel, nectarine, quince, biscuity oak and spice bring forward super fine, lifted aromas. With lively acid drive in place, the palate lights up with flavours running deep, textures smooth and a growing mealy, nutty complexity that just keeps going. Great chardonnay. 96 Points - Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion