Smiths Vineyard Chardonnay

A. Rodda Smiths Vineyard Chardonnay is handpicked from Smiths Vineyard in Beechworth. Planted in 1978, it is the oldest vineyard in modern Beechworth viticulture.

A. Rodda's Chardonnay Project grew from this wine. The intention is to find other mature, cool climate sites – like the Smiths Vineyard – and vinify them in parallel so the individual expression of each site is clear.

The fruit is pressed to French oak puncheons without clarification or racking. Natural fermentation takes place without temperature control. Malolactic fermentation is not encouraged to preserve freshness and natural acidity.

After 10 months resting on lees the wine is bottled with minimal fining.

Pale straw, A. Rodda Smiths Vineyard Chardonnay has citrus and stone fruit flavours, a creamy texture and a long, savoury finish. Cellaring potential is 10 years.