A. Rodda

Smiths Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

9.0

Grown in the gravelly soils of Beechworth in the foothills of the Australian Alps. Nearby neighbours would be Giaconda, possibly the best Chardonnay in Australia. This was leaner than ideal but certainly an ideal terroir for cool climate Chardonnay. Good acid and tension but to be critical it lacks a little mid palate fruit. This was the first of 4. Will be interesting to see how it develops. Good value at $35 AUD. — a month ago

Tom, Dawn and 18 others liked this

Gramercy Cellars

Lower East Columbia Valley Syrah 2020

Michael Sotiriou

8.9

Juicy, dark fruits. — a month ago

with Angelique

Giaconda

Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2015

Bob McDonald

9.7

At my 2015 Chardonnay Challenge the Giaconda was a consensus 3rd. Easily the most smoky, sulphidic, struck match of the 6 wines. I loved it. On the palate a powerful wine. Opulent. This wine is becoming difficult to source and sells out in a flash upon release. — 3 months ago

Ray, Tom and 21 others liked this

Ron R

@Bob McDonald, I just purchased some of the 2021 vintage. Any thoughts on the vintage? Drink or hold? Thanks in advance.

Bob McDonald

@Ron R Ron, Huon Hooke gave this 99 points with a drinking window of 2023 to 2037. “Extraordinary palate length and drive”. Huon is a long time creditable reviewer in Australia.

Ron R

Thanks, @Bob McDonald. I’ve never heard of that guy, but your insights I take to the bank.