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Savaterre Chardonnay 2022

A$145.00
AvailabilityIn stock
Volume750ml
VarietiesChardonnay
Region/CountryAustralia, Victoria , Beechworth
Description

Keppel Smith began his wine career in 1996, studying winemaking at CSU and gaining practical experience with Phillip Jones at Bass Phillip. On his 40-hectare Savaterre property, situated at 440 meters above sea level, he has cultivated 8 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (planted closely at 7500 vines per hectare), along with Shiraz and Sagrantino. The vineyard operates under organic principles, while the winemaking methods are inspired by traditional Old World practices.

vineyard is elevated at 440m (1440 feet) above sea level and is farmed along organic principles. No pesticides are used. The soil consists of ancient granitic “buckshot” over decomposed clay. These unique gravels are rich in minerals and provide excellent drainage whilst the clay provides some sustained water to the vines in summer. This ancient, poor soil naturally limits the cropping level to less than 4.5 tons per hectare. The vines are close planted at 7500 vines per hectare . This allows the vine to carry a smaller crop and direct all its energies to producing intense flavours and wonderful textures - traits that are found primarily in only outstanding vineyards. This unique combination of soil, climate and viticulture provides Savaterre with intense fruit of the very highest quality. The grapes are hand picked in the cool of the autumn morning and transported to the winery which is next to the vineyard. Savaterre's vineyard has been named in the top 25 vineyards in Australia. Vintage occurs between mid-March and mid-April depending on the season.

A complex and powerful Chardonnay made with tradition in mind, aromas of pear, white peach, citrus blossom and toasted almond waft from the glass. Exceptional quality grapes from the Savaterre Beechworth vineyard, mineral with a body of oak from ageing in French barriques. Good for cellaring.

Ratings
Score98 points
ReviewerHuon Hooke
Review
Light mid-yellow, bright and limpid, the initial bouquet strongly reductive with smoky, struck-flint characters that overlie the grapefruit/lemon/citrus fruit aromas. These arrive more strongly on the palate where the wine is bright and intense with lovely drive and poise, the finish balanced and long-lasting. As with the 2023, the strong sulphide characters may divide tasters but it does have the fruit power to back it up. Impressive wine, with gorgeous palate flavours.
Score97 points
ReviewerGary Walsh
Review
Vintage 2022 combined good yields with high quality, which must be something of a relief given the vicissitudes of recent seasons. Who'd be a farmer eh? A little stuck match and funk, pink grapefruit and pear, spicy oak, some ginger, floral perfume sitting quietly behind that, waiting to unfurl. Intense, fine flinty texture and chalky grip, it's restrained, but the power through the palate, and the length is quite something. Sappy and alive. Here's a Chardonnay of quiet power and finesse. It's benchmark stuff.
Score96 points
ReviewerNed Goodwin MW
Review
Damn this is reductive, demanding an aggressive decant, or an eagle eye in the cellar and plenty of patience. Yet the material lurking behind this flinty, terse carapace is thoroughly impressive: pithy stone fruits, anise, glazed quince and citrus marmalade. Thrilling levels of sheer extract, intensity and length, to boot. Trust me. WAIT! Drinkable now, but best from 2027
Score96 points
ReviewerJeni Port
Review
Exceptional style and class through and through...A thrilling ride awaits with a deep dive into arresting aromas filled with white flowers, stone fruits, Meyer lemon, nougat, almond meal and spice. Floats dreamily on the plate, fine in texture, resonating in fruit and well-judged oak, creamy in texture, bright in energy and acidity.
Specifications
ClosureScrew Cap
Serving temp8-10 °C
Alcohol13%
Cellar UntilUntil 2040
Food Pairing

Roast Chicken

Tasting Profile
nose

The aroma distracts you from your everyday thoughts. It grabs you and keeps your attention. A subtle flint framing ethereal aromas of ripe grapefruit, curry leaf, preserved lemon, ginger, stone fruit, allspice and fennel.

Savaterre Chardonnay 2022
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