2017 A. Rodda Cuvee de Chez, Beechworth
A$42.00
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.
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SKU
ARDCDCHZ17
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.
“Cuvée de Chez” loosely translates as Cellar Blend and is Adrian’s interpretation of a traditional Bordeaux blend or ‘Claret’.
Adrian believes that when it comes to Bordeaux varieties, the sum is greater than its parts. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the tannin, length and structural backbone, Merlot contributes ‘the fuzzy ball of fruit’ in the mid-palate, Cabernet Franc red fruits and savouriness, Petit Verdot adds perfume and acid line and Malbec gives dark fruits and overall roundness to the finish. With this in mind, each variety was made to ensure its varietal strengths came to the fore.
The 2017 Cuvée de Chez blend consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (22%), Malbec (8%), Petit Verdot (6%) and Cabernet Franc (4%). An array of red and purple fruits (think dark cherries and plums) with heightened aromas of violets and wild herbs. The supple fruit weight is seamlessly interwoven with fine, velvety tannins giving the wine great balance and finesse.
A blend that falls to cabernet sauvignon 60%, merlot 22%, malbec 8%, petit verdot 6% and cabernet franc 4%. If anything, it's a touch disjointed and still coming together yet already presents fragrance galore alongside fresh herbs, briary and earthy tones plus woodsy/oaky spices. It's medium-bodied with no shortage of tannin and piercing acidity - bodes well for cellaring.
92 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au 1 August 2019
| Product/Service Sold Out | No |
|---|---|
| En Primeur | No |
| New Arrivals | No |
| Wine Type | Red Wine |
| Wine Style | Traditional |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Beechworth |
| Varietals | Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Wine Points | 92 |
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