Thursday, February 24, 2011

SAVATERRE CHARDONNAY 2008

- Beechworth, VIC
- $70
- Screwcap
- 13.5%alc

The introduction of Savaterre Chardonnay into Langton's latest classification really caught my eye. Why? Because I've never had it before and can't pass judgement. A bit of research reveals it as a high quality chardonnay (obviously) from the same region that brings us Giaconda. That's about all the selling I needed...

After following the back label's advice to decant for several hours, Savaterre's unfiltered and deeply coloured 2008 unloads a good dollop of toasty, buttery oak aromas laid in place by 2 years French oak maturation. Its wood is quite prominent at this stage but underneath it you'll find a deep fragrance of cumquat and peach, just lifted by a tight note of cinnamon. There could be a lack of buzz to its complex, relatively profound scent, but I can see time sorting things out. Beautifully textured, bright and savoury, its palate is sumptuously expressive yet soft and fluffy, revealing a considerable strength concealed by a gentle nature. It presents a smooth and seamless balance of faintly tropical chardonnay fruits with toasty/buttery oak, framed by a viscous undercarriage of yeasty characters and a refreshingly brisk acidity, which combine to deliver the wine with perfect harmony towards a good, spotlessly clean finish marked by tasty touches of buttery nuts and light spice.

ü+ A superbly textured chardonnay whose complex winemaker inputs play the starring role, but its quality of fruit is such that it remains a most brilliant drink. It'll be particularly interesting to see how this balance evolves over the next few years. Drink to 2016.
95 points


4 comments:

  1. Wow! This sounds very, very good Chris. By the way, I just mentioned your review on the Auswine forum. I hope that's OK.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sean,

    Thanks. :) It is a very, very good wine really, but I'm just a little unsure whether it's in the zone right now, or will get better with a little bottle age. Only time will tell.

    No worries re mentioning the review on Auswine forum. You can mention it anywhere you please :)

    Cheers,
    Chris P

    ReplyDelete
  3. AG,

    I was reading your note on the 09A Chardonnay the other day, and am already anticipating tasting (and perhaps bringing home!) the wine on May 1st from Penfolds.

    Cheers,
    Chris P

    ReplyDelete