2003 Savaterre Chardonnay......Sold Out...Sold Out

"Rattle the cage. Give it some air. Take a long look at it and see aromas of rice paper rolls, pear, mineral and toast before a textured, layered, bitter, minerally-driven palate of extraordinary delicacy..."

Campbell Mattinson, Winefront Monthly: March 2005

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"Simply, there's something about Savaterre. The great years boost it, the tough years prove it"
Campbell Mattinson, Winefront Monthly Edition: March 2005

2003 was no ordinary year. It was an ordeal. It was tough. It tested everything I knew about grape growing and winemaking.

Thankfully, I made a few lucky decisions that have paid dividends. Principally, the initial decision to close plant my vines has forced the roots deep into the gravel in search of water and nutrients as well as limiting the yield to less than 1 bottle of wine per vine. Biodynamic vineyard practices have maintained the vines in a robust health. Technology has also helped with water allocation but, in the end, it was the heart breaking decision to sacrifice half the vineyard that really made 2003 possible from a quality point of view. In the end, great terroir overcame adversity.

I have decided not to expand further on the vintage, instead I hope you will use this link (Adobe required)-WFM .to access an article written on the 2003 Savaterre wines and vintage by Campbell Mattinson from the subscription only publication Winefront Monthly. Please read the article and wine reviews. I’m sure I could not put it any better or succinctly. Campbell has just won the prestigious Saltram Wine Writer / Communicator of the year award.

Tasting Notes:

As usual crafted in a traditional, unhurried manner using 100% wild yeast fermentation, natural malolactic and unfiltered. The wine was cellared for 18 months in approximately 45% new French oak barriques.

Brilliant straw, gold colour with chartreuse tinge framing the wine.

The bouquet is initially closed and tight but after 10 minutes or so it starts to reveal itself.
White peach, lemon blossom, pear, nougat, brioche, honey, hazelnut with a mealy, burnt match complexity just beginning to emerge. This wine demands patience.

Excellent structure. It’s tight, elegant with ripe, powerful fruit in balance with a minerally acid backbone ensuring a long and complex life. Once again initially closed but with patience all is revealed. A multitude of exotic fruit and spice flavours fill your mouth as hinted by the bouquet. Aroma, Texture, Intensity, Complexity, Balance and Length are all they’re waiting to reward us in the next 10-15 years. While delicious now, so much better in the next few years.

Store at 14C.

All grapes under this label are sourced exclusively from the Savaterre Vineyard in Beechworth.