2017 Savaterre Chardonnay

The Savaterre vineyard was established in 1996 by owner and winemaker Keppell Smith after an expansive search through Australia’s top wine regions to discover the magic terroir he was after. Great importance is placed on the use of indigenous yeasts in creating wines that are unique, intense, textural and complex. Maturation takes place in French oak barriques for approximately 2 years.

Brilliant pale straw colour with a greenish tinge to the edges and a watery hue. Tantalising aromas of fresh white peach, nectarine, dried honey and biscuity oak are subtlety overlaid with gun flint. Citrusy nougat, light cashew and spice notes are also present. Rich yet at the same time refined and sophisticated, the palate is awash with intense flavours of white peach, ripe nectarine and dried honey which are underscored by spicy biscuity oak, subtle infusions of gun flint, citrusy nougat characters and traces of cashew. Creamy and round in its textural feel yet remarkably fresh, it boasts tremendous power and depth, finishing with an exceptionally long aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.4%

Other Reviews….
Hand-harvested fruit across a tightly planted vineyard in Beechworth serves as a sleek chassis, driven by thirst-slaking acid cylinders and a body toned by peach, nectarine, apricot and the finest French oak in which this mid-bodied beauty has settled into a finely tuned groove of tension and generosity. Nougatine and creamed cashew at is core, conferring warmth. Layered, impeccably integrated and searingly long, this is very fine. Drink by 2027.
97 points
Ned Goodwin - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

It’s been about 13 years since I last reviewed a wine from Savaterre, and frankly, I don’t quite know how I feel about that.
Stonefruit, lemon peel, fennel, white flowers, nougat and some struck match. It’s flavoursome, a little toasty and spicy, intense almost grapefruity acidity along with a caramel richness, distinct chalky/quartz-like texture, pulp and pith citrus bitterness on a very long finish. A very good Chardonnay here. Very. Drink 2019-2027+
95 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front