A Rodda Yarra 'Willow Lake' Chardonnay 2023

FIVE WAY CELLARS 'WINE OF THE YEAR' FOR 2024

It's no secret that Adrian Rodda knows what he is doing when it comes to Chardonnay, but the 2023 Willow Lake release really blew us away. It's from a "proper cool" part of the Yarra, taken from 1979 plantings. The nose is immediately intoxicating, jumping from the glass with lifted white floral aromatics of jasmine and summer flowers. On the palate, electrifying acidity hums with energy, weaving between flavours of red and green apple, cold white peach and an unusual yet attractive white chocolate element which adds richness to an otherwise linear and driving palate. Overall, this is a cool, composed and compelling wine that can act as a flag-bearer for the quality of Australian Chardonnay produced in recent years, and very deserving of our 'Wine of the Year' award for 2024. - Ches Cook, FWC.