2003 Savaterre Pinot Noir......Sold Out

"Think on the conditions; this is a year that should have spelled disaster for pinot noir. That it didn't is the biggest indicator of the magic of this vineyard I have seen. It's got the mystery, the magic, the complexity you desire. It's got minerality, flavours of baked earth, forest, rose, toast and tar, together with streams of dry, long, structured tannins...Drink: 2006 - 2012. 93 points."

Campbell Mattinson, Winefront Monthly: March 2005

---------------------------------------------------

"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.

My tasting notes have been requested by a number of you. I am reticent to do this as tasting is such a personal experience, so subjective. As I am continually howled down about this notion, here they are.


Tasting Notes:

Brilliant deep crimson.

This wine certainly needs to be decanted for at least one hour prior to enjoyment. Only then does the signature bouquet start to emerge, Morello cherries, violets, rose petals, star anise, allspice, clove and truffle all combined with a minerally overlay. Each breath revealing more and more subtle nuances.

Structure again is the hallmark of this vintage. Great structure balanced with Savaterre’s powerful fruit and spice flavours combine to ensure a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. The very savoury nature of this wine demands food.

Once again, intensity of aroma and flavour combine with texture, structure and length to ensure cellaring will reward for the next 10-15 years

This is a wine of longevity and while young should be decanted for at least one hour prior to enjoyment.

Allow the wine to come up to room temperature as this will amplify the wonderful aromas.

Unfiltered.

Store at 14C.

All grapes under this label are sourced exclusively from the Savaterre Vineyard in Beechworth. The wine was matured for approximately 2 years in the very best French oak barriques.

2003 Pinot Noir .....