95 points - "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." - Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)

94 points - "Quite a bit of struck match here, nectarine, lime zest, kind of exotic in spice with ginger and lemongrass perfume, hazelnut and seaweed. It’s juicy and flavoursome, peach and lime, grilled pineapple, a little smoky and toasty, with bright grapefruit acidity, some gloss and viscosity in with some flinty bits, and closes with a finish of excellent length. Lovely wine with something of a gourmand character. Yum." - Garry Walsh (The Wine Front)

94 points - "Trademark struck match and curry leaf reduction defines the opening before a push through of peach skin, dehydrated lime, fine cedar, riverstone minerality and citrus preserves. Time in the glass reveals the wine’s nutty notes in the form of cashew and almond adding savoury complexity. The palate has power and glycerol-like texture and that’s quickly sliced up by assertive structure. White peach, ripe nectarine, preserved lime, lime zest and cashew drive through the mouth buoyed and drawn in by bright and powerful lime-laced acidity and chalky grip to long length. For a cuvée name that translates to ‘little brother’, there’s nothing little about it. Power and complexity in lovely balance. Drink from 2025–2031." - Tom Kline (Inside Burgundy)

2023 Frere Cadet Chardonnay
In the world of fine wine, there are a few people who stand out not just for their craft but for their character. Keppel Smith, the man behind Savaterre Wines, is one of those rare individuals. A true gentleman, a passionate winemaker, and an all-round great guy. He, along with his dedicated team, has built something truly special in Beechworth.

The 2023 Frére Cadet Chardonnay is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the first sip, you're met with an explosion of grapefruit, white peach, and nectarine, beautifully balanced with ginger and Asian spices. There’s an undeniable struck match and flint character, reminiscent of the finest Burgundian styles, alongside the fresh minerality of wet river pebbles. A glorious creaminess rounds out the palate, giving the wine depth and complexity.

This is a wine of incredible length and density, delivering layer upon layer of flavour and structure. It is a serious wine and one that any lover of fine Chardonnay needs to experience.

Tasting Notes

Straw gold with a green chartreuse border.

On the nose it initially reserved but after a few minutes it starts to reveal itself.

Complex with crystalline purity. Aromas of Anjou pear, white peach, lime blossom, lemon, white flowers, hazelnut brioche with a hint of toasted wood and gun smoke.

The palate is fine and silky with a myriad of flavours reflecting the aroma blending in youthful harmony.

There is a crisp acidity which is a hallmark of the vintage and an excellent indicator for the ageing potential of this wine.

A sophisticated powerful wine of finesse with beguiling texture and great length.

While it it is labelled Frère Cadet (younger brother) it is by no means a second wine.

Only one from a different Terroir.