2022 Savaterre Syrah

Keppell Smith does not cut corners at Savaterre, farming his high-density Beechworth block with absolute obsession to squeeze every drop of character out of the granite soils. He's always aimed squarely at the Northern Rhône rather than the typical Aussie Shiraz mould, letting patience do the work in the cellar so the fruit lands with genuine elegance.

The 2022 release needs a proper splash in the decanter to stretch its legs, but once it opens up, the payoff is massive. It drops the heavy oak muscle for a weightless, almost Pinot-like drift across the palate. You get layers of dark cherry jam, crushed violet petals and an ironstone earthiness, all held tightly by a fine, dusty tannin line.

It's a completely seamless, mid-weight red and another feather in the Savaterre cap.

96 points
"The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, bright acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel with plenty of syrah personality and a mineral edge. A lovely syrah that's all class."
- Ryan Montgomery (James Suckling)