2021 A. Rodda Baxendale Chardonnay, Whitlands King Valley

Hand picked. Fermentation in oak (35% new) and transferred to tank after 12 months for four months on lees. In keeping with its 600m elevation, fruit from the Baxendale vineyard always shows impressive acidity and energy. In a great vintage such as 2021, it brings a tight linear presence, balanced and beautifully integrated, providing an ideal launching pad for bright citrus, stone fruits and aromatic florals. A busy, racy youngster with a big future ahead.

95 points Special Value Jeni Port winecompanion.com.au

Adrian Rodda has been making wine since 1998, almost entirely working with David Bicknell at Oakridge. He was involved in the development of the superb Oakridge 864 Chardonnay. At the start of 2010 he and wife Christie, a doctor, decided to move to Beechworth, and it was no coincidence that he was a long-term friend of viticulturist Mark Walpole. Yet further coincidences came with the Smiths Vineyard and winery being available for lease; he now shares it with Mark, who makes his Beechworth wines there. Even more propitious was the availability of Smiths Vineyard chardonnay, planted in 1978. The quality of the portfolio has been consistently excellent.

Highly lifted aromas of citrus and white flower are nuanced with secondary characters of wax and flint. The mouthfeel is highly restrained with intense minerality and refined acidity gives the wine focus and length.