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2002 Chardonnay SOLD OUT
"Tremendously austere and yet tremendously intense. Minerally, toasty, lengthy and balanced, it's got everything exactly where you want it. This is a crackerjack wine. This is the mark of a champion. Drink 2005-2010. 95 points"
Campbell Mathinson, Winefront Monthly: Nov / Dec 2003
Close planted vines cropped at very low levels (less than a bottle of wine per vine) combined with a wonderful growing season produced the most intense, balanced and focused Savaterre chardonnay to date.
As usual the wines are made in an unhurried manner with wild yeasts, 100% natural malolactic, 19 months slow cool elevage in the very best French tight grain barriques and finally bottled without filtration. This attention to detail allows the wine to express its terroir without the winemakers fingerprints being obvious
Tasting Notes:
Brilliant straw gold color with the usual green tinge framing the wine.
The bouquet is a rich balance of intensity and complexity. Initially austere it evolves to seduce you with aromas of white peach, grapefruit, lime blossom, praline, cashew and toasted hazelnuts combined with a mealy "dirt" , match stick complexity on the finish.
It is only on the palate that all this promise is revealed. Aromas combine to deliver an amazingly concentrated and intense flavour that continues to evolve and amplify as you swirl. Complexity and power combine with a beautifully integrated texture. Length, balance, complexity and power.
It's all there waiting to go forward and develop slowly to something I believe will be magnificent in 6 - 8 years time.
All grapes under this label are sourced exclusively from the Savaterre Vineyard in Beechworth.
Store at 14C.