Savaterre Beechworth Chardonnay 2021 Light straw with green Chartreuse tinges. The bouquet is a play between refinement and concentration. It slowly reveals itself over time. Complex , powerful and multi dimensional. It hints at the pent up power and energy. Initial glimpses of pear, white peach, preserved lemon, lime blossom, galangal, white flowers, grilled almond, subtle gun flint and exotic spices such as curry leaf, nutmeg and allspice in the background. All defined within a mineral framework. The palate confirms its pedigree. Power, complexity, minerality and incredible length interwoven seamlessly. Multiple hints of white peach, pear, preserved lemon, almond and spice are framed within a tight mineral frame. It finished with a long and ever-increasing complex finish. This is a long lived, powerful, complex wine that was born of a great season.
“I don’t even know what the fucking clones are”, says winemaker Keppel Smith. "Cavin oak, which he imports, of which 30% is new. 2021 was a cool marginal year for this vineyard, he says, but the results are excellent, I say.
Ripe grapefruit, preserved lemon with ginger and biscuit spices, a light amount of fennel. Lovely perfume to the wine. Bright and fresh, a gentle creamy almond gloss, light flintiness and matchstick, tight core of acidity, white nectarine, and some richer yellow fruit, but really pretty restrained. It flows along beautifully. It’s a great glass of Chardonnay."
96 Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, August 2023, Drink: 2023 - 2031+
