A.Rodda Smiths Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 (Beechworth, Victoria)

[Waiters Friend]

I've not tried this producer before, and not all that many Beechworth wines overall.

Very pale for a chardonnay (I acknowledge it's a very young wine). Intense grapefruit nose, with underlying mealy, cashew aromas. There's a couple more fruit options (soft peach, nectarine) almost totally hidden under the grapefruit.

Palate is fruit forward, with strong supporting acid and slight tannic grip. Overall reasonably balanced, and good finish.

I'm drinking this too young, but I suspect this will be a very good Chardonnay when it grows up. Another couple of years.

Cheers
Allan

[michel]

I tried one as well
it has structure and would benefit from 6 -12 months I reckon
He also did a Yarra Valley Willowlake 2015
worth a try

[Waiters Friend]

Yet another wine that I found hiding in the cellar, along with the Willowlake Vineyard version from the same year. It has darkened very slightly in the past two years, and has developed modestly.

The biggest change is the emergence of the peach characters and the diminishing of grapefruit. There's still the oak influence with meal and cashew, but the fruit still dominates - just different fruit.

The palate is fresh with lively acid and slight mouth-puckering tannins, and these both support the fruit flavours well. It's clean and satisfying, with considerable interest on both the nose and the palate.

It's still young (but not an infant like two years ago) and will go for a number of years yet. It's extremely drinkable now, however. It will be interesting to see how the Willowdale (from Yarra Valley, not Beechworth) shapes up in comparison.

Cheers
Allan
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[via collins]

Good to hear it's coming along Allan. I was a little disappointed with the wine early days.

But I have enjoyed many a chardonnay from that magnificent piece of earth. I have to have faith!

Look forward to your notes on the next one.

cheers,

[michel]

Interestingly i have his 2015 Cabernet on the tasting bench to try

[conformistpete]

I have the 2010 and the newly released 2017 to try side by side this weekend. Will give the 2017 a decant to give it a chance to open up.

[sparky]

I've not tried this producer before, and not all that many Beechworth wines overall.

Very pale for a chardonnay (I acknowledge it's a very young wine). Intense grapefruit nose, with underlying mealy, cashew aromas. There's a couple more fruit options (soft peach, nectarine) almost totally hidden under the grapefruit.

Palate is fruit forward, with strong supporting acid and slight tannic grip. Overall reasonably balanced, and good finish.

I'm drinking this too young, but I suspect this will be a very good Chardonnay when it grows up. Another couple of years.

Cheers
Allan

Wait 'till you see the 2018 I can't sing the praises of this region enough - some wonderful stuff going on up there. The Indigo Vineyards Chardy is another belter.

It's worth making the effort to get to the Beechworth Vigneron's Tastings to see the range of what goes on.

[Waiters Friend]

Good to hear from you, Sparky. I haven't seen the 2016 or 2017 either, and I'm considering making the investment. Both for the Beechworth chardonnay and the Yarra Valley - I have both from 2015.

[Mark Carrington]

The 2016 is excellent. Regretfully, I’ve beeen unable to track any down in UK.

[michel]

2015 Cabernet blend was awkward dusty and dirty last night
Today it is cleaner with some pristine persistence of fruit
Not oaky
Well worth a try with grilled grass fed beef
I am chuffed

[Waiters Friend]

My second last bottle. This has developed nicely, and, at 7 years old, is probably at its best.

Yellow in colour with tinges of gold. Almost no citrus left now, with ripe peaches and nectarines taking its place. Delicious oaky savoury elements are here, but not overpowering the fruit - instead, nicely in balance. Just enough acid to keep it fresh, but not sharp or tart. Good mouthfeel without being oily.

You can tell I'm a fan

Cheers
Allan