Savaterre Shiraz 2019

Savaterre is positioned on an elevated site with amphitheatre views across the King Valley in the rolling peaks and valleys of Beechworth. Located across the road from Giaconda, the site was discovered in 1996 by Keppell Smith, owner and winemaker. The close-planted vineyard is on ancient granitic soils at 440 metre (above sea level) and blessed with mild summer days, cool evenings thanks to the lofty elevation of the Victorian Alps. Viticulture follows low input principles and yields are less than two tonnes/acres. In the cellar, Kepp employs Burgundian techniques with the aid of indigenous yeasts. Each wine, be it Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Shiraz has individuality and striking concentration. Savaterre's well structured Chardonnay is matured in generous new and seasoned tight grained French oak for up to 19 months. Chardonnay undoubtedly Savaterre’s hero. The Pinot Noir is deep and layered with cherry stone/chocolate aromas and plenty of richness and flavour, and shrewdly bottle aged before release. Finally the Shiraz, or should we say Syrah? Always highly perfumed with distinct red fruit preserve and floral character. Mid weight, velvety, seamless and almost pinot-like in its vibrancy and weightlessness. Super fine tannins and in a neat frame.

Savaterre's elevated, close planted vineyard is farmed with organic principles. No pesticides are used. The soil consists of ancient granitic “buckshot” over decomposed clay. These unique gravels are rich in minerals and provide excellent drainage whilst the clay provides some sustained water to the vines in summer. This ancient, poor soil naturally limits the cropping level to less than 4.5 tons per hectare. The vines are close planted at 7500 vines per hectare . This allows the vine to carry a smaller crop and direct all its energies to producing intense flavours and wonderful textures - traits that are found primarily in only outstanding vineyards. This unique combination of soil, climate and viticulture provides Savaterre with intense fruit of the very highest quality. The grapes are hand picked in the cool of the autumn morning and transported to the winery which is next to the vineyard. Savaterre's vineyard has been named in the top 25 vineyards in Australia. 

2019 Savaterre Shiraz is highly perfumed with distinct red fruit preserve and floral character. Smooth, seamless and almost pinot-like in its vibrant and weightless character. Discreet fine tannins and acid frame this wine. Savaterre Shiraz is more in the Syrah mode. If you’re a fan of big, traditional Australian shiraz this is not for you. Tasting blind you would assume it was a northern Rhone. It’s a beautiful wine with sophistication, complexity, tension and power. Very lifted and complex. 100% shiraz. A complete wine. You must decant this wine well ahead of time to see it in its entirety. This wine is best enjoyed in 4-15 years.

This is a delicious, juicy, fragrant wine. An elegant wine of depth, complexity and finesse. Please open this wine and decant a few hours before enjoyment as this wine continues to evolve and reveal its nuances over many hours.

Nose - Savoury, Truffle, Spice Pantry
Highly perfumed with distinct red fruit preserve and floral notes. Pinot-like vibrancy, dark fruits and truffle earthiness.

Palate - Mid-weight, Soft, Complex
Red fruits, ripe plums, a melange of sweet spices and toast.

Finish - Pleasurable, Spicy and Fine Boned
Weightless, like mature Barolo, fine and accumulative grip

Soft, supple and with surprisingly wide gauge. It's a very savoury expression but feels comfortable with its lazy spread, the softness of texture (yet finishes chalky and pleasingly bitter-dry), dark fruit meshed with truffle. Aussie bush characters and old spice cupboard feel to seasoning. The more you sip, the more the grip builds. It's an intriguing, individual and compelling wine, more akin to old school pinot noir perhaps, maybe a gentle, mature Barolo but lighter and finer?! Anyways, it's a pleasure. - Mike Bennie, Winefront, 94 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Beechworth, Victoria
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%