Savagnin sourced outside the estate. Whole bunch pressed, straight to barrel with a portion in ceramic egg and hangs out for a while. We see immediately Savagnin’s trademark of curry powder, stone fruit and camomile which are subtle but evident – highly aromatic, with a perfume, reminiscent of wild sea aromas then quince, ripe apple, and ever so slight caramel note which adds to complexity. The palate with its salty acidity underpins the fruit – ripe apple, some bosco pear and perhaps even a hint of preserved lemon. Complex, and interesting, a wonderful expression of the variety.
“The search for a ‘mid-price’ wine led the maker to savagnin grown outside the estate. It was a winning move, producing a wine that is a joy to drink. Needless to say, the grape is now planted at Castagna. Combines the savoury with an exotic spiciness. Green almond and citrus zest sit beside fruit that takes in white peach, citrus and nectarine. Setting it all off is a layering of background spices that speak of Indian flavours, with cardamom and Asian lime leaf. Offers both refreshing, bright acidity and a charming textural quality. All up, a well-balanced wine from start to finish.” 93 points from Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion.
“Highly aromatic style, quite rich perfume as savagnin does, firstly sea spray aromas then quince, ripe apple, faint caramel notes but doesn’t appear to be ripe or overdone, just an element of complexity. Textural and rich feeling again in the palate, salty acidity underpinning ripe apples, pear, some preserved lemon characters. Complex, wonderful expression and wholly its own.” The Winefront