Nestled in the mountains of northeastern Victoria, just outside the picturesque town of Beechworth, lays the Savaterre vineyard. The site was “discovered“ in 1996 by Keppell Smith, owner and winemaker, after an expansive search through Australia’s quality wine regions. The mild summer days, cool climate elevation combined with the rolling foothills of the Victorian Alps was the magic “terroir” combination sought by Keppell.

This is a richer iteration of Savaterre Chardonnay with not much in the way of struck match (though, granted, that can sometimes vary between bottles in my experience). It’s glossy and creamy but has firm cut of grapefruit acidity, there’s fine powdery grip to texture, a savoury nutty element and something of a sour yoghourt flavour, honey nougat, spicy oak, a mix of nectarine, pear, lime and melon with a tangy and savoury finish of outstanding length. Date: April 2026; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $120.00; Drink: 2027-2036+; Rated: 96+ Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

This perfect ripeness was only possible due to the small crop per vine as mandated by our mature, close planted vineyard. Powerful, focused wines of finesse, elegance and precision. The 2024 is a powerful yet seductive wine that will continue to evolve and reveal its multiple facets over many years. It is a serious, cerebral wine of great focus and precision. A harmonious amalgam of aromas, flavour, intensity and length. Keppell Smith