Having spent time as assistant winemaker to David Bicknell at Oakridge it’s fitting that Adrian Rodda’s first release under his eponymous label is a Chardonnay. It’s an exciting debut, full of energy and verve. As an aside, I’m quite taken with the textured varnish label too. Reminds me of skateboard grip tape.
All manner of pleasing aromas and flavours are on show; fresh pineapple, white peach, caramel cream, honeyed lemon drops and grapefruit. Spicy nougat barrel work is apparent but the bustling fruit is firmly in the spotlight. A spine of spry minerality ensures that a linear dimension is maintained even as the wine sidles up to a broader note of rockmelon on the midpalate. The finish is emphatic. Very Good – Excellent
Region: Beechworth
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $40
Tasted: November 2011
Thanks Jeremy for the heads up on this one. Not only is the wine highly enjoyable but the I’m grateful for opportunity to make the acquaintance of Adrian Rodda whose enthusiasm for his craft and for the region is infectious.
Enjoying a glass now – sublime. Love the texture and that mineral edge. Gee it hangs around too, long after the wine has left the mouth the memory is long. Excellent.
Right you are Stu. I reckon I should have bumped this up to a straight ‘Excellent’ rating. Great to see people are enjoying it.
Jeremy, your review of the 2011 A.Rodda Chardonnay reminded me that I revisited this a week ago. Enjoyed it heaps. A whole lot going on whilst not losing its focus – exactly what pushes my Chardonnay buttons. Raddness Inc.
*davemarine
The 2010 is certainly that sort of Chardonnay Dave. Can’t imagine too many people not finding something to like about it. Must revisit it myself actually…