The quintessential Margaret River Chardonnay, made from a selection of Vasse Felix’s premier plots of powerful Chardonnay. Made in the modern Margaret River style of elegance, power and restraint, with the wild complexity which distinguishes Vasse Felix Chardonnay.
A year of peculiar weather where our commitment to organic viticulture was vital to the successful growth of quality, balanced fruit. A cool and wet spring prompted the need for an intense leaf plucking program to mitigate disease risk. Luckily, December and January were warm and dry. Canopy management was a priority throughout February and March to combat unusually warm and moist conditions. A rainfall event in early February provided a timely drink for the red varietals, followed by warm weather which was ideal for the Chardonnay to achieve ripeness. A second rainfall incident in early March was followed by sunny and breezy conditions to dry off the fruit for healthy ripening. With our judicious canopy management and a crop of naturally resilient grapes, we are pleased to say that fantastic quality fruit was ripened and harvested with little-to-no disease in our vineyards.
94 Points
There’s much to like about this classy chardonnay, but it is that bracing minerally and slightly saline acidity that defines what is a sort of house style. It is finely balanced with a very long palate profile packed with a mix of cashew, brioche and savoury characters. Beautiful wine. 21V
93+ Points
The harvest of Chardonnay began on 30 January, which is relatively early. Sustained heat in January and February also meant a quick harvest of white varieties, with all complete by 26 February. Very rarely does the white harvest finish this early.” — Virginia Willcock. It’s fine-boned and flavoursome at once. I also loved both the feel and the flintiness of this from the outset. Pineapple, pear, peach and grapefruit flavours dart daringly through the palate though all-the-while there’s silky/waxy aspect to the mouthfeel. It’s beautiful, cutting, nuanced and complex. Drink : 2023 - 2028+ (v20)
93 Points
Pale colour. Fresh limes, grapefruit hint flinty aromas with tonic water notes. Minerally and fresh with lovely lime, lemon curd, grapefruit flavours, fine loose knit chalky textures, attractive creamy complexity and well-integrated fresh acidity. Very tangy and mouthwatering. 21V
92 Points
Heady aromas of honey, nougat, vanilla, white stone fruit and nutty oak, plenty of complexity on display. The palate is long, layered and complex, nectarine, white peach and creamy oak. The acidity is bright and crunchy and teams well with the powerful fruit.
95 Points
This may well be the best Vasse Felix chardonnay yet, setting aside Heytesbury of course. This was an outstanding early vintage in Margaret River, with low yields and fantastic quality. It was 100% barrel fermented using only indigenous yeasts with full solids impact in the wine. It was matured in French oak for 10 months, followed by another 7 months harmonising on lees in tank before bottling. Winemaker Virginia Willcock sources from a number of vineyard sites, mostly with the Gingin clone although this year about 22% Bernard clone was added. There’s a chalky bony character here which really gives the wine definition. At the same time a rich textural concentration emerges through the palate with that crisp minerally acid sustaining a prolonged finish. A super example of this wine that sits just below the Heytesbury. There is quite a deal of ageing potential here.(v20)
"It is an Audrey Hepburn of a wine: utterly elegant and poised yet a little wild and arresting"
Virginia Willcock is a legend of the wine game. She clocked up experience all over the globe before taking on the Vasse Felix chief winemaker role in 2006. Taste this Margaret River chardonnay and you’ll see why. It is an Audrey Hepburn of a wine: utterly elegant and poised yet a little wild and arresting, thanks to the beautiful natural acidity.