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 delicious, juicy, fragrant wine. Lifted aroma of dewy rose petal, sour cherry, pomegranate, raspberry and ripe red berry fruits, exotic spices with a subtle gamey truffle finish. Pure, focused and precise with great length, texture and persistence. An elegant wine of depth, complexity and finesse.

Matured 18 months in Burgundian oak (25-30% new). Take a deep breath, inhale; the scent of mountain wildflowers, violet, crushed raspberry and cherry is enthralling, addictive even. Intense and tight on the palate, it opens to layers of clean, bright red and black fruits, enhanced by savoury spice, warm background oak and ripe, textural tannins. A savoury ferrous, mineral finish offers yet another layer on this most complex pinot. Outstanding. Drink to: 2030; Price: $75.00; Date Tasted: Jan 2022; Alcohol: 13.5%; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; Jeni Port; James Halliday Wine Companion