The Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay from A.Rodda is consistently amongst the top chardonnay’s in the country and the 2021 release is another excellent release.
Some people maybe asking why are you reviewing the 2021 not the 2022 release, well that is because that is the one I am drinking right now.
2021 was an important year for Adrian Rodda because the previous year he was only able to release one wine for the whole vintage. He usually makes 3-4 whites (all chardonnay) and 3-4 reds (Tempranillo and Cabernet blends).
Adrian Rodda has been involved in making wine since 1998, he spent more than decade at Oakridge Wines (famed for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) in the Yarra Valley. Then in 2010, Adrian moved up to the sub alpine town of Beechworth in the North East of Victoria (an area also famed for making exceptional chardonnay, pioneered by Rick Kinzbrunner).
Adrain set about producing a Chardonnay from the Smiths Vineyard, the oldest vineyard in modern Beechworth viticulture. In 2012, he broadened his focus on making excellent Chardonnay from beyond the Beechworth region and 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 he added a third single vineyard Chardonnay was produced from grapes grown at the Baxendale Vineyard at Whitlands at the bottom of the King Valley in the upper reaches of North East Victoria.
THE VINEYARD
As mentioned before Willowlake vineyard is in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. It sits at the end of the valley just below the Bunyip State Park. 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 Vineyards, the Parkinsons Road block has a southerly aspect, with a consistent gradient across the entire block.
WINE PRODUCTION
Grapes were hand picked and pressed to 500 litre French oak puncheons (36% 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 4 months prior to bottling.
2021 Harvest Date was: 12th March
Bottled: 9th June 2022
TASTING
This is a rich, complex and perfumed wine. The aromas of lemon, citrus blossom and stone fruit maybe peaches, combine on the palate with a hint of pepper.
The palate is sensitive to temperature and needs to be just below room temperature to be best enjoyed. As the wine warms the flavours expand and become more refined and complex.
There is a powerful lemon line that sits below the stonefruit and flows into a creamy, rich mouthfeel. There are some hints of chestnuts, a little vanilla and some light pepper. It lingers on the palate but not excessive and stays nicely in balance.
Grape | Chardonnay 100%
Oak | 10 mths (36% new French Oak)
Seal | Screw
pH | 3.55
Alcohol | 13 % ABV
volume | –
Drink By | 2031
Tasting Date | Dec 2023
Price | $55
SIGHT
Light and clear in the glass, delicate legs from the viscosity.
23/25
NOSE
Delicate nose, the citrus blossom is there and hints of stone fruit.
23/25
PALATE
This is a wine that is best served a little below room temperature but not too cold. Out of the fridge as it warms the dominant acid from the citrus broadens and smooths across the palate. It becomes creamy and delicious.
24/25
FINISH
A nice balance between the acid and the richness, it is not too long and finishes cleanly.
22/25
REVIEWS
- 93/100 points – Jeni Port, Wine Companion
- 92/100 points – Crispy, Almanak
- 95/100 points – Aaron Brasher, The Real Review