M. Chapoutier : Domaine Terlato et Chapoutier "Saddleback" 2025

Characteristics and tasting advice for Domaine Terlato et Chapoutier "Saddleback" 2025

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows an intense, almost opaque red color, a sign of concentration and depth.

Nose

The nose reveals an expressive bouquet blending notes of licorice, clove, and violet, bringing both complexity and elegance.

Palate

The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, driven by aromas of blueberry, dark chocolate, and spices. The long and flavorful finish is supported by silky, enveloping tannins that extend the tasting experience harmoniously.

A full-bodied and structured great wine from Victoria, Australia

The estate

The history of the House dates back to 1808 in the Rhône Valley, before the Chapoutier family joined it in 1897. Now led by Michel Chapoutier, M. Chapoutier manages an international vineyard spanning 455 hectares. Renowned for its pioneering commitment to biodynamics, the House has extended its expertise to Australia, particularly in the Victoria region. This constant pursuit of authentic terroir expression gives rise to unique wines that faithfully reflect the identity of distant and distinctive landscapes.

The vineyard

Born from a partnership established in 2000, this Australian vineyard is located in the Pyrenees appellation, at the heart of the Victoria region. The vines benefit from a cool climate, moderated by altitude and winds, promoting slow ripening. The soils, composed of siltstone and red and yellow podzolic soils mixed with quartz fragments, offer distinctive geology. Cultivated according to the rigorous principles of biodynamics, they give the grapes a remarkable mineral signature.

The vintage

In Australia, the 2025 vintage shows a slightly below-average harvest, due to climatic hazards and deliberate yield restrictions. Spring frosts caused occasional losses, while summer heat and drought increased the risk of wildfires. However, these dry conditions favored good sanitary conditions and even ripening. The grapes thus display excellent quality, with controlled volumes and satisfactory maturity.

Winemaking and aging

For Domaine Terlato et Chapoutier "Saddleback", the harvest is carried out by hand at full ripeness. The grapes are fully destemmed, then fermented in concrete vats using indigenous yeasts. A gentle maceration of four to six weeks, accompanied by moderate pump-overs, allows for controlled extraction of color and structure. The wine is then aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, developing elegant aromatic complexity.

Grape variety

This Domaine Terlato et Chapoutier "Saddleback" 2025 is made from 100% shiraz.