{"product_id":"a-rodda-willow-lake-vineyard-chardonnay-2025","title":"2025 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay | Yarra Valley, VIC | 95 Points","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🏆 95 Points | The Final A. Rodda Willow Lake Chardonnay – A Remarkable Piece of Yarra Valley Wine History!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistoric Vines Dating Back to 1979 | One of Australia's Great Chardonnay Specialists | The End of an Era!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2025 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUpper Yarra Valley, Victoria\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP $75\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat if I told you that one of Australia's finest Chardonnay specialists has just produced his final vintage from one of the Yarra Valley's most celebrated old-vine vineyards?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWell, that's exactly what we have here.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2025 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd this is one seriously exciting wine!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 POINTS – GARY WALSH, THE WINE FRONT!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut here's the really fascinating part.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the final Willowlake Chardonnay Adrian Rodda will make.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wine that represents the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in his Chardonnay Project.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom an Upper Yarra vineyard with vines dating back to 1979.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade by the man who helped develop the legendary Oakridge 864 Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd carrying an outstanding 95-point review from one of Australia's most respected wine critics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is exactly the sort of Chardonnay that gets me excited at Liquid Vibe!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause great wine isn't just about flavour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's about the vineyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe people.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the stories behind every bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd this one has an extraordinary story to tell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdrian Rodda – One of Australia's Great Chardonnay Specialists\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you're serious about Australian Chardonnay, you really need to know about Adrian Rodda.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore establishing his own label, Adrian spent more than a decade at Oakridge in the Yarra Valley, working alongside celebrated winemaker David Bicknell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring that period, he helped develop the extraordinary Oakridge 864 Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wine that would become one of the benchmarks for modern Australian Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat made those wines so compelling?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful fruit purity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemarkable natural acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubtle, beautifully integrated oak.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavoury complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd an extraordinary ability to express individual vineyards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2010, Adrian moved to Beechworth and began making Chardonnay from the historic Smiths Vineyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut he wasn't content to explore just one vineyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe wanted to understand how Chardonnay could express itself across different Victorian regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd so began his Chardonnay Project.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree extraordinary vineyard sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmiths Vineyard – Beechworth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBaxendale Vineyard – Whitlands, King Valley.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillow Lake Vineyard – Upper Yarra Valley.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDifferent soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDifferent climates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDifferent elevations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut a broadly consistent winemaking philosophy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe idea was to allow each vineyard to reveal its own distinctive character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the results have been absolutely fascinating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillow Lake Vineyard – One of the Upper Yarra's Historic Chardonnay Sites\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Willow Lake Vineyard is located at Gladysdale in the Upper Yarra Valley.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd here's something many wine lovers wouldn't know.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParts of this remarkable vineyard were planted as early as 1979.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat's nearly half a century of Chardonnay history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vineyard sits in one of the cooler parts of the Yarra Valley, where the surrounding hills, forests and elevation help create excellent conditions for premium Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe historic Parkinsons Road block, from which Adrian has sourced fruit, has a distinctive southerly aspect.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd that matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA south-facing slope in the Southern Hemisphere generally receives less direct sunlight than a north-facing slope.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat can help slow ripening and preserve natural acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExactly what you want when you're trying to produce Chardonnay with beautiful concentration, freshness and mineral precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe soils include brown gradational material over clay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's a fascinating combination of old vines, cool growing conditions and a distinctive vineyard site.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd it's precisely why the finest Upper Yarra Chardonnays can be so extraordinary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Final Vintage – Why the 2025 Is So Special\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere's the detail that makes this wine particularly collectible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn his review of the 2025 vintage, Gary Walsh identifies it as Adrian Rodda's final Willowlake Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat means this is not simply another release in an established series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's the final chapter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor years, Adrian has used Willow Lake to demonstrate the distinctive elegance and mineral tension of Upper Yarra Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow that chapter is coming to an end.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd for Chardonnay lovers who have followed his wines, that's significant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreat vineyards can continue producing fruit for generations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut a particular winemaker's interpretation of a vineyard is something unique.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce that relationship ends, the wines become part of history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat's why I think this is a particularly exciting Chardonnay to have in the cellar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTasting Profile – White Peach, Grapefruit and Beautiful Mineral Tension\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe hallmark of Adrian Rodda's Willow Lake Chardonnay has always been its wonderful balance between fruit concentration and cool-climate freshness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a style built around purity, texture and precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExpect a beautifully detailed combination of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhite peach and nectarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFresh grapefruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLemon zest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCitrus blossom\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToasted almond\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFine savoury spice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubtle flinty complexity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreamy lees texture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChalky mineral grip\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSaline freshness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe palate is where the wine's pedigree becomes particularly apparent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere's lovely stone fruit concentration, but the fruit never overwhelms the wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstead, everything is carried by fine natural acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe texture is polished and beautifully integrated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubtle oak and savoury complexity provide depth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the finish has that wonderful combination of citrus freshness, chalky grip and persistence that makes great Upper Yarra Chardonnay so compelling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhite peach. Grapefruit. Toasted almond. Flint. Chalky minerality. Beautiful natural acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Chardonnay for people who appreciate elegance as much as power.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy the Upper Yarra Valley Is So Special\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Yarra Valley is one of Australia's greatest Chardonnay regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut not all parts of the Yarra Valley are alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Upper Yarra is generally cooler than many of the lower-lying areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigher elevation, surrounding forests and cooler growing conditions can produce Chardonnay with exceptional aromatic detail and natural acidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe finest wines combine:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCitrus purity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhite stone fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavoury complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFine texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMineral precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd extraordinary length.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd that's what makes vineyards such as Willow Lake so important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey demonstrate how dramatically Chardonnay can change depending on where it's grown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chardonnay Project – Three Vineyards, Three Personalities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the things I love about Adrian Rodda is his determination to explore Chardonnay through different vineyards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsider his three celebrated sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmiths Vineyard, Beechworth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA historic vineyard planted in 1978, producing Chardonnay with beautiful concentration, savoury complexity and mineral structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBaxendale Vineyard, Whitlands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn extraordinary high-altitude site at approximately 600 metres above sea level, producing Chardonnay with vibrant citrus freshness and alpine precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillow Lake Vineyard, Upper Yarra Valley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA remarkable old-vine site producing Chardonnay with fine texture, elegant fruit and beautiful mineral tension.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree vineyards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree distinct expressions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd one winemaker with an extraordinary understanding of Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor serious wine lovers, tasting these wines side by side is a fascinating experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinemaking – A Philosophy of Restraint\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdrian Rodda's approach to Chardonnay has always been about letting the vineyard express itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis established Willow Lake method involves carefully selected fruit, whole-bunch pressing and fermentation in French oak.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe aim is to build texture and complexity without sacrificing freshness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOak is used to support the fruit rather than dominate it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLees maturation helps develop mouthfeel and savoury detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the preservation of natural acidity is central to the wine's style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is Chardonnay that combines richness with remarkable precision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is not Chardonnay made to impress with excessive oak or weight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's Chardonnay made to reveal an extraordinary vineyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCellaring Potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2025 Willow Lake Chardonnay has excellent ageing potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGary Walsh's recommended drinking window extends to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2034 and beyond\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI'd happily open a bottle now to appreciate its youthful freshness and energy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut I'd also put some away.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith time, the citrus and white peach characters should develop deeper toasted nut, biscuit and savoury complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd that wonderful Upper Yarra acidity should continue to provide freshness and definition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested drinking window: 2026–2034+.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a magnificent food wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI'd recommend:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKing George whiting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFresh scallops with brown butter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoast chicken with lemon and thyme\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrilled snapper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouthern rock lobster\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMushroom risotto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoast pork\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComté or Gruyère\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePersonally, I'd love this with roast chicken, wild mushrooms and a beautiful cream sauce.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine's fine acidity would cut through the richness, while its savoury complexity would complement the food beautifully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy We Love It at Liquid Vibe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause this is exactly what makes discovering great Australian Chardonnay so exciting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA historic Upper Yarra vineyard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVines dating back to 1979.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of Australia's most accomplished Chardonnay specialists.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA remarkable single-vineyard project.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn outstanding 95-point review.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd something that makes this release particularly special.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's Adrian Rodda's final Willowlake Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLook at what you're getting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2025 A. Rodda Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUpper Yarra Valley, Victoria\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistoric Vineyard – Plantings Dating Back to 1979\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinemaker – Adrian Rodda\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormer Oakridge Winemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of Australia's Great Chardonnay Specialists\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinal Willowlake Vintage for A. Rodda\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrinking Window – 2026–2034+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP $75\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is serious Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wine with history, personality, elegance and outstanding ageing potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd for anyone who has followed Adrian Rodda's remarkable Chardonnay Project, this final Willow Lake release is something genuinely special.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2025 A. RODDA WILLOW LAKE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUPPER YARRA VALLEY, VICTORIA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e95 POINTS – THE WINE FRONT!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRRP $75\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHISTORIC VINES DATING BACK TO 1979!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE FINAL A. RODDA WILLOW LAKE CHARDONNAY!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWHITE PEACH. GRAPEFRUIT. CITRUS BLOSSOM. TOASTED ALMOND. FLINT. CHALKY MINERALITY. EXTRAORDINARY LENGTH.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eONE OF THE YARRA VALLEY'S GREAT OLD-VINE CHARDONNAY STORIES – AND THE END OF AN EXTRAORDINARY CHAPTER!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"A. Rodda","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67790043971886,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/2025A.RoddaWillowLakeVineyardChardonnay_79e4f685-c675-42aa-a6cb-52d399ecabaa.webp?v=1792628760","url":"https:\/\/liquidvibe.com.au\/products\/a-rodda-willow-lake-vineyard-chardonnay-2025","provider":"liquidvibe.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}