2024 Savaterre Frere Cadet Chardonnay

Rich, concentrated and creamy textured with a long, expressive finish that’s borderline opulent.

Keppel Smith established Savaterre in 1996, planting the first vines on his Beechworth property. Since then Savaterre has become revered for producing super premium Chardonnay (planted on decomposed granitic loam soil) in the unique microclimate of the Victorian Alps. Sourced from neighbouring vineyards, the Frere Cadet Chardonnay receives the same treatment as the Estate wine, but at a more approachable price point. Basket pressed to French oak barrels for 18 months of maturation on lees with a further 6 months of resting in bottle before being released.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a subtle greenish tinge around the outskirts and a watery hue. Intense white peach, dried honey and nectarine aromas are complimented by cashew, crème brulee, nougat and spice notes. Rich, concentrated and creamy textured, the palate is engulfed with fleshy ripe peach, nectarine and dried honey flavours. Notions of crème brulee, nougat, subtle cashew and spice fill out the back half. Boasting superb power and depth, it has fresh underlying acidity and a long, expressive finish that’s borderline opulent.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
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. Drink by 2034.
95 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion