A.Rodda ‘Baxendale’ Whitlands Chardonnay 2022

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

Adrian has done his time and earned his stripes. He’s consistently making excellent wines, particularly his range of delicious Chardonnays.

About A.Rodda

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.

In the Vineyard

“The Smith’s Vineyard of Beechworth 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. It’ split into four different blocks of Chardonnay. The vineyard has a gentle easterly aspect with the back half of the block more south facing. One of these four blocks is referred to as the Triangle Block due to its decreasing row lengths resulting in “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 single block release.”

In the Winery

The Smith’s ~ Willow Lake ~ Blaxendale Chardonnay

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 10-12 months. The wines are often transferred to tank for a further period prior to bottling.

The Triangle Block Chardonnay

Fruit was whole-bunch pressed to oak without clarification or racking for non-temperature controlled fermentation in one new 500 litre puncheon and one second use 300 litre hogshead. 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 6 months prior to bottling.

2021 harvest date: 24th February`Bottled: 15th September 2022

Where in the World is A.Rodda?

A,Rodda is based in Beechworth, Victoria Australia.