VASSE FELIX HEYTESBURY CHARDONNAY 2015
| Grape: | 100% Chardonnay |
| Vineyard: | Vasse Felix |
| Origin: | Margaret River, Western Australia |
| ABV%: | 13% |
| Colour: | Pale straw with a green tinge |
| Aromas: | Elegant with extraordinary complexity. Perfumes of pink grapefruit, sage, wet heated slate, beeswax, nougat, sweet patisserie and a smoked cheese note. |
| Flavours: |
Alive with juicy, bright acidity and a mouth-watering, taut, stone minerality. It builds in fruit flavour and complexity beyond initial belief to a long finish with enduring flavours of melon, sweet patisserie, slight lamb and dough. |
Winemakers Highlights
Our most unique small, fine sections of our best vineyards and clones. Each batch was very gently pressed and the juice then transferred directly to barriques with the inclusion of solids to achieve more of the unique vineyard character. Each batch was fermented wild with no yeast addition and was stirred throughout the nine months of maturation, allowing the yeast lees to impart further complexity, texture and palate weight to the wine. With bright, natural acidity a priority, no malolactic fermentation was encouraged.
Vintage
Mild conditions in Margaret River with no extreme weather conditions, allowing for balanced fruit and a slow and steady intake. There was no disease pressure and fruit quality is excellent the only disappointment was yields being down across the Region for all key varieties. This was the outcome of storms in Spring and pressure from an increase in the local population of Silver Eyes (birds) and no Marri Blossom.
French oak for 9 months. 57% New, 43% 1-2 year old
Reviews
The West Australian Wine Guide - Ray Jordan Ray Jordan White Wine of the Year - 98 points
"With this exceptional chardonnay Virginia Willcock and the team have taken things to an altogether new plane of excellence. The degree of palate complexity and intensity combined with how it delivers through to a long finish is brilliant. A modern chardonnay with underlying Margaret River power."
Halliday Wine Companion James Halliday Top 100 Wine 2016 - 97 points
"One of the icons of Margaret River, a chardonnay that has had spectacular success in shows over the past 5+ years, this vintage typical. The mouthfeel and balance are flawless, supple yet focused, all the ingredients - fruit, oak, acidity - in perfect harmony and balance. Screwcap. 13% alc. Rating 97. Drink to 2028."
The West Australian - Ray Jordan Ray Jordan 98 points
"The chardonnays at Vasse Felix have been on the up for a number of years but it is hard to remember a better one. Such intensity, such power and yet such elegance and poise. The fruit is expressed with exquisite precision on the palate, with the pristine nectarine and crunchy, lemony pear and subtle grapefruit a compelling combination. A smidgeon of toasty oak completes a stunning wine."