2015 Vasse Felix Chardonnay Heytesbury
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Tasting notes
A low-yielding vintage due to inclement weather, cold night-time temperatures and rain during flowering and berry development. Hand-harvested 4–13 Feb 2015 and whole-bunch pressed but a small proportion was machine-harvested in order to have some skin contact in the press for those whole berries. Spontaneous fermentation in barrel with very high solids. Average 530 NTU. Ten months in French oak, 57% new, two months in tank after blending. TA 6.8 g/l, pH 3.19. Bottled February 2016. The percentage of malolactic conversion was lower here, leaving 1.89 g/k malic acid – the highest in this line-up. More steely than when they started using a little more malo from 2016. Really complex nose, far more tertiary character here: cedary, wild herbs, and just a touch of honeyed richness, but still with a smoky/mineral side of the younger wines, still steely. On the palate, deep and gently chewy, lots of fresh citrus remaining and the acidity and the subtle tannins give great shape to the fruit. (JH)
Critic scores
James Halliday
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Green-tinged yellow. Honeydew melon, nectarine and pear on the highly perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Shows excellent clarity and picks up floral and citrus zest nuances as the wine opens up. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering an array of concentrated yet nervy orchard and pit fruit flavors and suggestions of gingery spices and toasted grain. Shows superb energy and cut on the mineral-driven finish, which features a sexy floral quality and an exotic touch of iodine.
This is almost perfumed: the combination of smoke and citrus, plus a sweetness of lemon fruit. Deep and generous but so fresh and beautifully textured. Grapefruit pith. Sour-fresh finish. Deep and long and a wine to savour. (JH)
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.
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.