Description
Nestled in the mountains of northeastern Victoria, just outside the picturesque town of Beechworth, lays the Savaterre vineyard. The mild summer days, cool climate elevation combined with the rolling foothills of the Victorian Alps was the magic terroir combination sought by winemaker Keppell Smith. Intensely focused on the creation of outstanding, individualistic wines far removed from the mainstream , Smith looks more to the wines, winemaking and viticulture of the Old World as his inspiration. “My mother gave me some sound advice when I was young – ” Be patient!” Being patient translates now to minimal intervention in the winemaking process. Minimal intervention and long, slow elevage in cool dark cellars are the cornerstones of our winemaking philosophy.” – Keppel Smith
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.
About this wine from the winemakers: “This is a finer more defined ‘Frère Cadet’. On the nose lifted floral notes of lime blossom and gardenia combine with aromas of white nectarine, grapefruit, grilled nuts, praline, brioche, cinnamon, cardamon and flint. The palate is a delight. Purer enjoyment. Mouth filling juicy minerality. Amazing structure. Such length and precision. Just the right amount of “grip” on the finish. This wine makes you salivate with anticipation of the next sip. The flavours and texture go on and on with glimpses of pear, white peach/nectarine, pink grapefruit. I won’t go on but you get the idea.
“Precise, textured and powerful with a beautiful spine of acidity to frame this delightful experience. I consider this version the best ‘Frère Cadet’ yet. While it it is labelled Frère Cadet (younger brother) it is by no means a second wine. Only one from a different Terroir.”
This premium Beechworth grower has excelled here with this fine release!
95 points, Jeni Port, Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion “A brilliant example of Beechworth chardonnay’s undoubted power formed around a core of citrus, quince, stone fruits, pear, lemon curd biscuit and hazelnut. Complex at every turn, it weaves a course across the palate, tight in nervy energy and tension. It has fine-edged acidity, ripe fruit, streamlined vanillin oak, leesy notes and a budding complexity; remember, it is very much early days for this chardonnay. Comes together well and in perfect tune to close.”
94 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Quite the track record for this producer over the years … I’m a younger brother, and younger brothers are most often superior. White peach, grapefruit, cashew nuts, spice, white flowers and lime rind. It has a juiciness to it, pear, nectarine and lime, cashew cream, bright pink grapefruit acidity, spiced oatmeal, a little parmesan rind savoury flavour, light powdery grip, with a finish of excellent length. It’s a good one in 2024 and not that far behind the estate wine in quality.”
RRP $88 – Our Special Price $79.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
