Willowlake vineyard. Very pale brick red but the palate is anything but light. Sweet intense red fruit with some savoury spice. Not complex, but powerful and elegant. Vgv for $36. — 8 months ago
Really delicious and drinkable. Had with a shrimp and bean stew. Did nicely with the smoke of paprika and acid from lemon — 5 years ago
2015 Open too soon — 7 years ago
Oak aromas are more restrained and integrated in this Henk Vyd, fruit is a tad richer and deeper, but this also shows an excellent balancing acidity, rich fruit, long, lingering finish, I marginally prefer this to the Willowlake, but both are excellent Yarra Valley Chardonnays!! — 4 days ago
Similar notes to 71 weeks ago. Made by David Bicknell who is regarded by many experts in Australia as Australia’s premier exponent of Chardonnay - particularly by Roscoe at Prince Wine Store where I buy most of my wine. This was my last 2012 Willowlake 864 and it was singing. Nose of almonds, marzipan and nougat amidst the barrel ferment characters. Still carrying a nice acid line even at 10 years. Great intensity and complexity. More classy restraint than being full bodied. A regular purchase for me. — 3 years ago
Prominent nose of bright red fruit with smoky stemminess. Jarring at first, but opens up to become very enticing. Bright red fruit palate with a great acid line and fine chalky tannins. Really enjoyable, and great with food. — 7 years ago
A little flinty sulphidic note amongst the ripe grapefruit on the nose. From the well performed Willowlake Vineyard where other producers like Giant Steps and Oakridge have made excellent Chardonnay. This Rodda Chardonnay is also excellent with great QPR at only $35. Great intensity with white stone fruit and lively crisp acid. Rodda makes at least 2 other Chardonnay Cuvées at the same price, that should be annual purchases. — 6 months ago
Doug Powers
Nice medium-toast oak up front, a little matchstick aroma as well, beautiful medium-weight fruit with great acid balance, long, lingering finish, excellent Yarra Valley Chardonnay! — 4 days ago