97 Points - Jeni Port
Nestled on an elevated site in the 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.
Owner and winemaker Keppell Smith discovered this special site in 1996 and is focused on crafting outstanding, individualistic wines far removed from the mainstream. Looking to the winemaking and viticulture of the Old World, particularly Burgundy as his inspiration.
Savaterre Chardonnay sits among Australia's finest and most in-demand examples. This status was highlighted when Wine Ark; Australia’s largest wine storage provider, named Savaterre Chardonnay (2022 vintage) as the 7th most collected wine of 2024. This placed it alongside Leeuwin Estate Art Series, Giaconda and Pierro as the only other Chardonnays listed among the top 10 wines. The just released 2024 Savaterre Chardonnay is already in high demand and we expect our limited stocks to sell out fast.
"97 Points. Here is the art of winemaker laid bare, in all of its beauty as well as mystery. It's a slow reveal, all the better to take in a wine both plush in fruit and fine in structure, citrusy fresh and oak defined, savoury influenced and varietally pure. Complex, tangy fresh aromas arrive Beechworth-bright before leading into a tightly packed, concentrated palate of lemon citrus, grapefruit, stone fruits and toasted almonds creamily textured with honeysuckle aromatics. A suitable ending with saline cut and grip on the long finish. 13.5% alc. Drink: 2026 - 2036. Screwcap"- Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion.
"96 Points. This is a richer iteration of Savaterre Chardonnay with not much in the way of struck match (though, granted, that can sometimes vary between bottles in my experience). It’s glossy and creamy but has firm cut of grapefruit acidity, there’s fine powdery grip to texture, a savoury nutty element and something of a sour yoghourt flavour, honey nougat, spicy oak, a mix of nectarine, pear, lime and melon with a tangy and savoury finish of outstanding length. Tasted: Apr26. 13.5% alc. $120. Screwcap. Drink: 2027 - 2036+"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
