What? Chardonnay. Winemakers often love Chardonnay; they get to use all the vinous tools to try and add more complexity, texture, and flavour, but it is the sign of a mature vigneron when they have the confidence not to interfere and to let the site speak for itself.
Who? Adrian Rodda had a fine ten-year traineeship under the masterful watch of Chardonnay authority, Oakridge’s David Bicknell, before heading for the beautiful Beechworth hills and working alongside the living legend Mark Walpole of Fighting Gully Road; sharing access to the oldest Beechworth vines of the Smiths Vineyard.
Why? We have been admirers of A. Rodda Chardonnay, since first trying one, it is always with a deft hand that he showcases purity and high fidelity. Sadly the 2020 vintage was impacted by fires in the Victorian North East, and we are stoked to have all three expressions back in, all from the incredible 2021 vintage.
These wines are delicious, all favourites of the staff here at Union Cellars, whether it is the mineral-etched Baxendale, the old-vine complexity of Smiths Vineyard, or the creamy oatmeal textures of the Willow Lake.
All $58 a bottle, all bangers.
