95 Points - Jeni Port
Nestled on an elevated site in picturesque Beechworth of northeastern Victoria, Savaterre sits among the region's most acclaimed winemakers. Located across the road from Giaconda, this close-planted vineyard sits on ancient granitic soils at 440 metres above sea level.
Though named Frère Cadet (“younger brother”), Savaterre’s 2024 release is far from a second-tier afterthought. Crafted by Keppell Smith in Beechworth using fruit from a neighbouring site, the wine receives the exact same low-intervention, Burgundian-inspired vinification as the flagship estate bottling. The result captures Beechworth’s hallmark combination of natural concentration and mineral-driven tension.
The nose opens with struck flint, lime blossom, and white nectarine, layered against nuances of toasted cashew, brioche, and warming spice. On the palate, a supple core of pear, citrus zest, and cashew cream is cut by an energetic spine of pink grapefruit acidity. Finished with a powdery phenolic grip and lingering savoury length, the 2024 vintage delivers Savaterre’s signature structural depth while remaining openly expressive in its youth.
"95 Points. A brilliant example of Beechworth chardonnay's undoubted power formed around a core of citrus, quince, stone fruits, pear, lemon curd biscuit and hazelnut. Complex at every turn, it weaves a course across the palate, tight in nervy energy and tension. It has fine-edged acidity, ripe fruit, streamlined vanillin oak, leesy notes and a budding complexity; remember, it is very much early days for this chardonnay. Comes together well and in perfect tune to close. Drink: 2026 - 2034. Screwcap"- Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion.
