{"product_id":"2024-a-rodda-smiths-vineyard-chardonnay","title":"2024 A. Rodda Smith's Vineyard Chardonnay","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points, James Halliday | High-Altitude Beechworth Chardonnay with Depth and Precision\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Wine Man on A. Rodda\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdrian Rodda's strength is Chardonnay that brings intensity and poise together. In Smith's Vineyard, that balance has a distinctive setting: a Beechworth site at around 550 metres, whose fruit intensity and granitic mineral character give the wine both presence and direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat draws us to this 2024 is the detail beneath that concentration. Citrus peel and stone fruit meet fine texture, biscuity oak and a developing nutty complexity, without losing the lively acidity that keeps everything in focus. This is a Chardonnay for drinkers who want depth without heaviness, and a bottle worth giving time in the glass rather than rushing through straight from the fridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLifted aromas of lemon pith, grapefruit peel, nectarine and quince are layered with biscuity oak and spice. The palate combines deep citrus and stone-fruit flavours with a smooth texture and lively acid drive. A fine mineral thread gives definition, while mealy, nutty complexity builds through the lingering finish. The impression is concentrated yet composed, with freshness running through every layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 points, James Halliday.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle \u0026amp; Drinking Window\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dry, medium- to full-bodied Chardonnay with finely layered texture, bright acidity and a poised oak influence rather than pronounced tannin. Our suggested drinking window is 2026–2032, enjoying its citrus energy now or allowing time for more savoury, nutty detail to emerge under good cellaring conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at around 11–13°C so its texture and complexity can open up. A brief 20–30-minute decant is worth considering if it feels tightly wound on opening; otherwise, let it unfold gradually in a generous white-wine glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe citrus drive, smooth texture and biscuity, nutty depth of the 2024 A. Rodda Smith's Vineyard Chardonnay make it an intriguing white-wine match for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mymeatman.com\/products\/australian-frozen-grass-fed-cape-grim-rump-steak-500-g?variant=61425955471730\"\u003eAustralian Frozen Grass-Fed Cape Grim Rump Steak 500g\u003c\/a\u003e from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mymeatman.com\"\u003eMy Meat Man\u003c\/a\u003e. The wine's grapefruit and lemon-pith flavours bring freshness alongside the rump's firm, beefy character, while its savoury oak and nutty complexity complement a golden sear and a little browned butter beautifully, whether pan-seared and butter-basted with thyme, gently grilled and finished with herb butter, or seared then briefly oven-finished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the crust golden rather than heavily charred, slice the rested steak across the grain, and favour restrained garlic, herbs and butter over a sweet barbecue glaze or powerful pepper sauce. This is a pairing built around the wine's texture and savoury detail, offering a thoughtful alternative to the usual red with steak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy This Is a Smart Buy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt HK$585, this is a considered purchase for Chardonnay lovers who value vineyard character, concentration and finesse. The appeal is not simply the 96-point recognition: it is the combination of high-altitude Beechworth fruit, mineral definition and layered citrus, biscuit and nut flavours that makes the bottle rewarding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose it for a dinner where the white wine deserves as much attention as the food, or to explore how a textured Chardonnay can work beyond the familiar fish-and-chicken pairings. Its lively structure also gives you the option of enjoying it now or following its development over the next few years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a Different Style?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mywineman.com\/products\/2023-leeuwin-estate-prelude-chardonnay\"\u003e2023 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay\u003c\/a\u003e – A lighter Margaret River expression with lemon blossom, citrus zest and fine lees texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mywineman.com\/products\/2023-giant-steps-yarra-valley-chardonnay\"\u003e2023 Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay\u003c\/a\u003e – An approachable, medium-bodied style with white peach, nectarine and a gentle creamy thread.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mywineman.com\/products\/2023-cloudy-bay-marlborough-chardonnay\"\u003e2023 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Chardonnay\u003c\/a\u003e – Concentrated Marlborough stone fruit, vibrant citrus and subtle savoury oak.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/6194\/1061\/files\/life-is-too-short-to-drink-bad-wine.jpg?v=1778560509\" alt=\"Wine cork engraved with Life is too short to drink bad wine\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Wine Man","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46149073174597,"sku":null,"price":585.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0699\/6194\/1061\/files\/a-rodda-smith-s-vineyard-chardonnay.png?v=1793091374","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineman.com\/products\/2024-a-rodda-smiths-vineyard-chardonnay","provider":"My Wine Man","version":"1.0","type":"link"}