2023 Savaterre Frere Cadet Chardonnay, Beechworth

Limit 6 per person

An exceptional vintage, which in Beechworth generally 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 meets delicious drinking. It's chewy and nicely grippy to close, with spice lasting long into the finish.

95 points Special Value Jeni Port winecompanion.com.au

Savaterre Frère Cadet Chardonnay from Beechworth is an exceptional cool-climate white that offers a taste of the Savaterre house style, rich, layered, and mineral—at outstanding value. Crafted by Keppell Smith, this is the more approachable sibling to his flagship Chardonnay, delivering serious flavour, texture, and drive while keeping things fresh, focused, and ready to enjoy in its youth.

Frère Cadet, meaning "younger brother" in French, is made with fruit from the estate and select nearby vineyards that share Beechworth’s high-altitude granitic soils and cool continental climate. These sites produce fruit with natural acidity and deep flavour, ideal for the elegant, complex style Keppell is known for. While it may not have the same extended ageing or depth of the estate Chardonnay, it still showcases many of the same hallmarks: tension, texture, and subtle oak influence.

The winemaking is thoughtful but restrained, whole bunch pressing, wild fermentation in French oak, and some time on lees to bring mid-palate weight and savoury complexity. The result is a wine with precision and character that punches well above its price point.

In the glass, expect aromas of lemon curd, white nectarine, struck flint, and a touch of brioche. The palate is clean and expressive with stone fruit, citrus zest, fine acidity, and just enough creamy texture to make it seriously moreish. There's a chalky, mineral backbone that gives it structure and finesse.

Frère Cadet is for those who love the energy and detail of Giaconda or the flagship Savaterre Chardonnay, but want something a little more accessible and ready to pour now. A brilliant match with seafood, roast chicken, or creamy polenta with mushrooms.