Savaterre Pinot Noir 2017

Organic – this Pinot comes from close planted 25 year old vines at 7500 vines/hectare, in the Burgundy model. Perfumed herbal whole bunch nose that follows through onto the palate. This wine undergoes 70% whole bunch fermentation, that adds a lean, green and astringent texture to the palate coupled with a chalky, tannic finish. The wholebunch notes add freshenss but I felt the wine was hidden underneath the winemaking. I did think some time and air might loosen up those tight knit tannins and the stalky component. I did try this wine 2 days later with the influence of movement and oxygen. It was so delicious, supple and slippery with pretty red fruits shining through. This is a complex wine that needs patience, but you will be rewarded with power and complexity. 

Annette Lacey MW

Master of Wine at Solotel

Annette is currently the Group Beverage Manager for Solotel, a diverse hospitality group also having worked in some of Sydney’s finest restaurants as a sommelier including Banc, Claudes and Marque. She completed the rigorous Masters of Wine programme in 2020, was a professional winner in the 2014 Vin de Champagne Award, a Len Evans scholar and wine judge. She also is a fantastic communicator in wine and sprits including as a lecturer for the WSET.

Wine critic and Buyer