Savaterre Pinot Noir 2024

Savaterre Pinot Noir 2024

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.

"It didn’t seem extraordinary from a growing point of view but the results are outstanding and speak for themselves. 

After rejecting all the 2023 Savaterre reds as not being up to standard (and being tipped down the drain) this is a pleasing outcome. I have never released a Pinot Noir so young but I feel the harmony of this wine is exactly where I want it.

It is destined for a promising future." Keppell Smith

“Is this the best Pinot Noir I have ever made?” asks Keppell of himself. I can imagine him in a pair of tights doing the soliloquy from Hamlet.

It’s very Beechworth and very Savaterre. Raspberry, cherry, wet leaves, dried rose, cedar and spice, with a some cut red capsicum and smoked paprika, or maybe Lapsang souchong tea. It’s medium-bodied, a little sappy and meaty, red fruits and spice, a beetroot earthiness to it, a crisp feel with light smoky and grainy tannin, finishing with excellent length and a twist of orange peel and ginger. Compelling and individual. It’s a really good wine. 95+ Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front