The 2021 Castagna Adam’s Rib White is a distinctive, artisanal expression of Chardonnay from Beechworth — a region celebrated for producing some of Australia’s most refined and terroir-driven cool-climate wines. Crafted by the visionary Julian Castagna, Adam’s Rib White sits alongside the estate’s flagship releases, offering a more playful yet deeply characterful interpretation of Chardonnay that remains true to the Castagna philosophy: biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and an unwavering focus on purity and texture.
The 2021 vintage in Beechworth delivered ideal conditions for Chardonnay — cool nights, a long ripening period and pristine fruit quality. These conditions allowed the grapes to develop lifted aromatics, tight acidity and layered complexity, giving the wine both vibrancy and depth.
The bouquet opens with aromas of white peach, nectarine, Meyer lemon and green apple, intertwined with notes of jasmine, wet stone and delicate flint. Hints of almond meal, brioche and subtle spice emerge with time in the glass, reflecting gentle oak handling and extended lees contact.
On the palate, the 2021 Adam’s Rib White is elegant, textural and beautifully poised. A core of citrus and stone fruit sits within a fine, creamy structure, supported by bright natural acidity that drives the wine’s line and length. Nuances of hazelnut, mineral chalkiness and faint smoke add sophistication, while the wine’s biodynamic origins contribute a sense of energy and vitality. The finish is long, savoury and refreshingly precise.
Approachable now yet structured enough to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, this is a compelling and artisanal Chardonnay showcasing the quiet brilliance of Beechworth terroir and Castagna’s meticulous craftsmanship.
Region: Beechworth, Victoria
Variety: Chardonnay
Farming: Biodynamic
Alcohol: ~13%
Drinking Window: Now – 2030
A vibrant, expressive and thoughtfully crafted Chardonnay — a superb example of Castagna’s ability to marry texture, purity and terroir in a beautifully distinctive style.
