Savaterre Shiraz 2019

Savaterre Shiraz 2019

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.

I don’t get to see Keppell Smith in the flesh much but the times that I have spent with him always come with mirth, usually something unusual happening, a quirky moment, a memorable passage of time. Good oh!

Soft, supple and surprisingly wide gauge. It’s a very savoury expression but feels comfortable with its lazy spread, the softness of texture (yet finishes chalky and pleasingly bitter-dry), dark fruit meshed to truffle, Aussie bush characters and old spice cupboard feel to seasoning. The more you sip, the more grip builds. It’s an intriguing, individual and compelling wine, more akin to old school pinot noir perhaps, maybe a gentle, mature Barolo but lighter and finer?! Anyways, it’s a pleasure. 94 Points - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front