2023 Frere Cadet Chardonnay - "An exceptional vintage, which in Beechworth equals exceptional chardonnay. You won't be disappointed. Made in the style of Savaterre chardonnay with fruit sourced from a nearby vineyard, it brings the same luxurious class to the grape. Intense, fragrant aromas and layers of flavour in Asian pear, lemon tart, lime zest, white peach and summer stone fruits with toasted hazelnuts. Offers a multi-dimensional escape into chardonnay where richness meets complexity meets a fine-edged acid tension meets warm toasted oak neets delicious drinking. It's chewy and nicely grippy to close, with spice lasting long into the finish. - Rated: 95 Points" 

Jenni Port - Halliday Wine Companion

2023 Frere Cadet Chardonnay - " In the world of fine wine, there are a few people who stand out not just for their craft but for their character. Keppel Smith, the man behind Savaterre Wines, is one of those rare individuals. A true gentleman, a passionate winemaker, and an all-round great guy. He, along with his dedicated team, has built something truly special in Beechworth.

The 2023 Frére Cadet Chardonnay is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the first sip, you're met with an explosion of grapefruit, white peach, and nectarine, beautifully balanced with ginger and Asian spices. There’s an undeniable struck match and flint character, reminiscent of the finest Burgundian styles, alongside the fresh minerality of wet river pebbles. A glorious creaminess rounds out the palate, giving the wine depth and complexity.

This is a wine of incredible length and density, delivering layer upon layer of flavour and structure. It is a serious wine and one that any lover of fine Chardonnay needs to experience." 

WineAnimal.com.au

“2022 Frere Cadet Chardonnay - Carries a lot of mighty good flavour that stays on the tongue and won't let go. Sunny and bright, yet deep and concentrated. Pure yellow peach, pear, Meyer lemon, spice and woodsmoke. Offers up a ripe citrus tang, stone fruits and light Asian fruit tropicals against a well-spiced cedarwood background - creamy soft across the mid-palate -- that simply doesn't stop as it works its way to a long finish. Juicy acidity aids the journey. Impressive - Rated: 95 Points" 

Jenni Port - Halliday Wine Companion

Vintage 2023 was an exceptional vintage for Beechworth Chardonnay.

Initially, it looked quite dire with wet weather dominating early in the season. The weather improved at flowering which facilitated an ideal crop which ensured the ripeness of the vintage.

A serious cerebral wine of great focus and precision.

Sophisticated, elegant, focused, intense, textural with great length and acidity.

Frère Cadet is made identically as the Estate chardonnay. The same care attention to old world traditions. Unrushed, allowing nature to do the work at her own pace.

The only difference is the vineyard, run by some talented vignerons, located a few kilometers from Savaterre in the Beechworth region. 

Tasting Notes

Straw gold with a green chartreuse border.

On the nose it initially reserved but after a few minutes it starts to reveal itself.

Complex with crystalline purity. Aromas of Anjou pear, white peach, lime blossom, lemon, white flowers, hazelnut brioche with a hint of toasted wood and gun smoke.

The palate is fine and silky with a myriad of flavours reflecting the aroma blending in youthful harmony.

There is a crisp acidity which is a hallmark of the vintage and an excellent indicator for the ageing potential of this wine. 

A sophisticated powerful wine of finesse with beguiling texture and great length.

While it it is labelled Frère Cadet (younger brother) it is by no means a second wine.

Only one from a different Terroir.