A Rodda Yarra 'Willow Lake' Chardonnay 2024

While the Whitlands Chardonnay has that 'wow' factor, opinion amongst staff was still split as to which of the two A. Rodda Chardonnays was the better wine. Willow Lake certainly makes a good case for itself... My interpretation of this wine is that it is more refined, more seamless and more softly spoken. There is less explosive impact, but more elegance across the whole package. Stone fruit flavours cross white and bronzed fruit, the acid line crackles with energy and there is a salivating tautness to the shape of the wine. Importantly, its quite different in style compared to the Whitlands wine which is how we justified taking both, rather than having to pick and choose. - Ches Cook, Five Way Cellars.