Savaterre Frere Cadet Chardonnay 2024

Savaterre Frere Cadet Chardonnay 2023

One such producer is Keppell Smith, owner of Savaterre a small vineyard closely planted on ancient granitic buckshot soils over decomposed clay. Purchased in 1996, Keppell fine tuned his love of old world fine wine, Burgundy in particular, in the finance industry, prior to scouring over the Victorian countryside to find the perfect site for making European inspired wines. The vineyard, farmed using organic practices, sits at 440m above sea level and is planted to a mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Sagrantino.

"Precise, textured and powerful with a beautiful spine of acidity to frame this delightful experience. I consider this version the best 'Frère Cadet' yet. While it it is labelled Frère Cadet (younger brother) it is by no means a second wine. Only one from a different Terroir." Keppell Smith

Sourced from a vineyard next to Giaconda, a higher cropping site, conventionally farmed, says Keppell Smith.

White peach, grapefruit, cashew nuts, spice, white flowers and lime rind. It has a juiciness to it, pear, nectarine and lime, cashew cream, bright pink grapefruit acidity, spiced oatmeal, a little parmesan rind savoury flavour, light powdery grip, with a finish of excellent length. It’s a good one in 2024 and not that far behind the estate wine in quality. 95 Points – Gary Walsh

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." 95 Points - Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion