2023 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay
#24 in James Suckling Top 100 Wines of Australia 2024
97 points - James Suckling
An intensely complex and inviting nose with aromas of lemon curd, grapefruit rind, orange blossoms and gunsmoke. The medium-bodied palate has a textural mouthfeel and vivid acidity, showing notes of lime zest, mandarin pith, fresh pineapple and cookies. Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension. Exceptional.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Our most unique small vineyard sections where the Gingin clone on specific aspect and soil, interplay in such a way to ignite very special varietal and wild yeast influence. A similar harvest time to the reasonably late year last year due to cold spring conditions.
However, dry conditions and a sunny mild January saw ripening speed up with flavour and sugar reaching ideal ripeness with high acidity, so natural MLF was allowed to complete. Delicate flavours held tightly, resulting in beautiful restraint and balance.
Hand-harvested, whole-bunches were pressed and transferred direct to barrel as unclarified juice. Fermented with natural yeasts from the vineyard, then nurtured in our cellar for 9 months in oak with some lees stirring, then 7 months harmonising in tank on full lees before filtering and bottling. 100% Gingin clone and true to Heytesbury perfume and structure.
A savoury, delicate and beautifully structured wine, showcasing impressive complexity from a dry, cool year.
Vasse Felix Overview
NOSE:
Wonderfully complex, showing classic aromas of fine stone flint, lamb fat, and champignon, alongside custard lemon biscuits. Subtle hints of wet limestone and ocean spray evoke the region’s maritime influence, while a touch of white leather and sweet new straw bring savoury notes.
PALATE:
Beautifully structured with long taut acid lines that provide strength and power. A fine, dry phenolic texture adds a layer of tension, complementing the wine’s depth. The palate evolves with lingering flavours of grapefruit, clotted cream and hints of ginger and lime leaf.
#24 in James Suckling Top 100 Wines of Australia 2024
97 points - James Suckling
An intensely complex and inviting nose with aromas of lemon curd, grapefruit rind, orange blossoms and gunsmoke. The medium-bodied palate has a textural mouthfeel and vivid acidity, showing notes of lime zest, mandarin pith, fresh pineapple and cookies. Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension. Exceptional.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Our most unique small vineyard sections where the Gingin clone on specific aspect and soil, interplay in such a way to ignite very special varietal and wild yeast influence. A similar harvest time to the reasonably late year last year due to cold spring conditions.
However, dry conditions and a sunny mild January saw ripening speed up with flavour and sugar reaching ideal ripeness with high acidity, so natural MLF was allowed to complete. Delicate flavours held tightly, resulting in beautiful restraint and balance.
Hand-harvested, whole-bunches were pressed and transferred direct to barrel as unclarified juice. Fermented with natural yeasts from the vineyard, then nurtured in our cellar for 9 months in oak with some lees stirring, then 7 months harmonising in tank on full lees before filtering and bottling. 100% Gingin clone and true to Heytesbury perfume and structure.
A savoury, delicate and beautifully structured wine, showcasing impressive complexity from a dry, cool year.
Vasse Felix Overview
NOSE:
Wonderfully complex, showing classic aromas of fine stone flint, lamb fat, and champignon, alongside custard lemon biscuits. Subtle hints of wet limestone and ocean spray evoke the region’s maritime influence, while a touch of white leather and sweet new straw bring savoury notes.
PALATE:
Beautifully structured with long taut acid lines that provide strength and power. A fine, dry phenolic texture adds a layer of tension, complementing the wine’s depth. The palate evolves with lingering flavours of grapefruit, clotted cream and hints of ginger and lime leaf.
#24 in James Suckling Top 100 Wines of Australia 2024
97 points - James Suckling
An intensely complex and inviting nose with aromas of lemon curd, grapefruit rind, orange blossoms and gunsmoke. The medium-bodied palate has a textural mouthfeel and vivid acidity, showing notes of lime zest, mandarin pith, fresh pineapple and cookies. Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension. Exceptional.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Our most unique small vineyard sections where the Gingin clone on specific aspect and soil, interplay in such a way to ignite very special varietal and wild yeast influence. A similar harvest time to the reasonably late year last year due to cold spring conditions.
However, dry conditions and a sunny mild January saw ripening speed up with flavour and sugar reaching ideal ripeness with high acidity, so natural MLF was allowed to complete. Delicate flavours held tightly, resulting in beautiful restraint and balance.
Hand-harvested, whole-bunches were pressed and transferred direct to barrel as unclarified juice. Fermented with natural yeasts from the vineyard, then nurtured in our cellar for 9 months in oak with some lees stirring, then 7 months harmonising in tank on full lees before filtering and bottling. 100% Gingin clone and true to Heytesbury perfume and structure.
A savoury, delicate and beautifully structured wine, showcasing impressive complexity from a dry, cool year.
Vasse Felix Overview
NOSE:
Wonderfully complex, showing classic aromas of fine stone flint, lamb fat, and champignon, alongside custard lemon biscuits. Subtle hints of wet limestone and ocean spray evoke the region’s maritime influence, while a touch of white leather and sweet new straw bring savoury notes.
PALATE:
Beautifully structured with long taut acid lines that provide strength and power. A fine, dry phenolic texture adds a layer of tension, complementing the wine’s depth. The palate evolves with lingering flavours of grapefruit, clotted cream and hints of ginger and lime leaf.
Top White - Ray Jordan
98 points
Cellar 12 years
White
Margaret River
Chardonnay
