2021 Chardonnay Margaret River
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Tasting notes
Fermented and aged for 9 months in French oak (36% new). Candied fruit with quite citric style to it, sharp acid and lean structure. It's Chardonnay with a Sauvignon sensibility, and much more refreshing for that. There is oakiness too, but in a controlled and integrated way. (RH)
Critic scores
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Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
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The 2021 DHJ1 Single Plot Chardonnay is composed of 100% Gin Gin clone hand-picked in Wallcliffe from southeast-facing vines planted in the early 2000s in gravel loam over clay. This had high solids in a wild ferment and matured in seasoned French oak for nine months, prior to two months of settle in tank. Malolactic fermentation was completed, and for those who like finished numbers, it has a pH of 3.16 grams per liter with a total acidity of 7.2 grams per liter. It was organically grown, and the pure free-run juice was bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is pristine and coastal, layered and shelly with brine, saltbush, soft leaf and bay, sage and sun-drenched rocks. It's evocative and legion in its multiplicity—fine but firm, concentrated yet svelte, coastal and authentic but also polished and seamless. It's a special wine made in an unusual style for Vasse, and I like it immensely. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
About the producer
Vasse Felix was the first winery in Margaret River, founded in 1967. Today, it is one of Western Australia’s – and the New World’s – most respected names, crafting outstanding, cool-climate Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from this remote region, south of Perth.