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98
/ 100
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96
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Savaterre Chardonnay 2023 captures the essence of an exceptional vintage defined by long warm days and cool nights, fostering a slow and perfect ripening process. This balance is enhanced by a small crop per vine and a mature, densely planted vineyard, resulting in a wine of remarkable finesse and precision.
At this stage, the 2023 Chardonnay is a seductive, tightly coiled wine that promises to evolve and mature gracefully over the next two decades. It is a serious and cerebral expression, showcasing great focus and a harmonious blend of aromas, flavors, intensity, and length.
Visually, the wine presents a straw yellow hue with silver flecks that catch the light beautifully. The nose reveals an intricate bouquet of lime blossom, toasted hazelnut, white nectarines, pink grapefruit, bee’s wax, and sandalwood, offering prodigious complexity from the first encounter.
On the palate, expect a sophisticated and elegant texture, underscored by incredible power and length. The classic old world structure frames the wine perfectly, carrying its layered flavors to a long and satisfying finish. Even in its youth, the potential of this Chardonnay is unmistakable.
For optimal enjoyment within the first five years, decanting for at least an hour is recommended. The wine will continue to improve and reveal new dimensions over the next 8 to 15 years and can age beautifully for up to 20 years.
- Huon Hooke’s second highest rated Australian Chardonnay with an impressive 98 points
- Renowned for power, complexity, tension, and finesse
This vintage stands out as a true testament to Savaterre’s commitment to quality, crafted in a region where climate and vineyard management converge to produce wines of exceptional character and longevity.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: Australia
Region: Victoria, Beechworth
Alcohol %: 13.4%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
98 / 100"Bright medium-light yellow colour; aromas of matchstick/gunflint reduction overlying grapefruit/citrus and biscuit nuances. In the mouth, very intense flavours of tightly focused but generously proportioned citrus/grapefruit and smoked charcuterie—impressively deep and very long-lasting. A great chardonnay of terrific refinement and formidable power. 16 Feb 2025"
- Huon Hooke
96 / 100
"Lots of struck match that subsides given some air, white peach, citrus, almond, some spice and Japanese ginger. Tight, bright and spicy, grapefruity, lovely acid balance, mid-palate bite and intensity, though it’s a discreetly flavoured wine, and the finish is very long. There’s some almond creaminess in the mix too. It’s a finer and less flavour packed than some of the prior vintages, but gee I love its delicacy. Superb."
- Gary Walsh