Savaterre 2023 'Frère Cadet' Chardonnay
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
2022 Frere Cadet Chardonnay - ”Sourced from a vineyard next to Giaconda, a higher cropping site, conventional farmed, says Keppel Smith. A little struck match, grapefruit, stonefruit, and oatmeal richness, fine spicy oak, Japanese ginger. Juicy but tight, has some creamy gloss and richness, but acidity gives it grapefruity tang and freshness, finishes quite long and spicy. A really good glass of Chardonnay here. Satisfying. Pleasurable. Excellent. Rated : 94 Points”
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front
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.