A. Rodda, `Smith's Vineyard' Beechworth Chardonnay 2024

Place: South Australia

Grape: Chardonnay

Vibe: Oppulent 

The broader of the pair of Beechworth Chardy’s. Things get whole bunch pressed and ferment straight into oak, without temperature control. As soon as the ferment wraps up, the wine is sulphured to stop malo and retain all that raspy, fresh acidity, before going back to barrel to soften once more. We’ve got texture and opulence, but there’s real complexity woven throughout here. Nutmeg spice and a mealy texture you only find in the grape at its most seductive. ABV: 13%