Savaterre Chardonnay 2024

Savaterre Chardonnay 2024

After many months of talks with a local farmer, the Savaterre site was purchased and a vineyard planted in 1996.

Keppell's winemaking technique is a minimalistic, hands-off approach. "It is all about the quality of the fruit from the fantastic site we have here at Savaterre." His approach to winemaking is in the tradition of the fine wines of Burgundy.

In the winery no yeasts are added to the basket pressed juice. "It is all up to wild yeast to start, maintain and finish the fermentation." Keppell particularly likes the layers of complexity a wild yeast fermentation and lengthy lees ageing adds to the wine.

"2024 was an exceptional vintage for our chardonnay. Long warm days and cool nights allowed slower ripening. This perfect ripeness was also aided by the small crop per vine combined with our mature, close planted vineyard. These are the years for finesse and precision." Keppell Smith

The wine spends a total of 18 months in personally imported French oak barriques and then 6 months in bottle before being released.

"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." 96 Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

"Bright medium-light yellow colour; aromas of matchstick/gunflint reduction overlying grapefruit/citrus and biscuit nuances. In the mouth, very intense flavours of tightly focused but generously proportioned citrus/grapefruit and smoked charcuterie - impressively deep and very long lasting. A great chardonnay of terrific refinement and formidable power" 98 Points - Huon Hooke, The Real Review

"A double wow kind of chardonnay, such is the level of deep concentration and the purity of flavour and delivery. Shows a sophisticated side, complex in construction and taste, led by white peach, nectarine, grapefruit pith and peel, spice, and a savoury almond influence that lifts both aromatically and flavour-wise. Walks, as ever, a fine line between generosity and fineness, the latter winning the day with some scintillating tangy acid drive in place. And the best part? This still has a long, long journey ahead" 97 Points - Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion