Vasse Felix Chardonnay Heytesbury 2023 750ml

The 2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay reveals all the poise and balance we expect from the season. It is awesome. This feels totally weighted on the back palate. The fruit intensity, coupled with powerful acidity and phenolic presence, fully penetrates beyond mere "flavor experience" and dives deep into the senses; the only option left is to ride that wave until it slowly fades. It's a persistent, sophisticated wine of latent power and patience. While this is released two years from harvest, it doesn't start to show its complex potential until around five years from harvest and far beyond that. It's slow to emerge and slow to age. This is a 100% Gingin clone Chardonnay, matured in French oak barriques, 52% new, for nine months, with seven months blended in tank prior to bottling. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. The 2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay hails from a pristine vintage in Margaret River. The season was on the cooler side of things but remained very dry and devoid of heat surges. Good weather at flowering meant yields were healthy, and from what I have seen so far, the season seems to have teased the very best from producers right across Western Australia, from all varieties. It truly was "one of those years."

#24 in Top 100 Wines of Australia, 2024. 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. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Complex on the nose, it engages and demands full attention. There’s the classic Heytesbury wild edges, wrapped around a firm classy core. Flint, citrus blossom, toasty perfumed oak, gentle spice, dried ginger, preserved lemon, dried thyme, pink grapefruit, curry leaf and oat biscuit. A little kefir lime in there for good measure. The palate is revelatory in its mouth-filling perfume, salty haze and pillowy core of fruit concentration. A filigree of layers, fine phenolics and detailed texture, sea spray acidity and a cushioning of oak to carry the fruit’s narrative. Delicious as it is, but will offer plenty for those that wait. Made from 100% Gingin clone, with 52% new French oak for nine months, followed by seven months in tank.

A swirl of caramel, wildflower honey and candied ginger adds complexity and depth to the vibrant core of fresh lemon, pear and apple flavors, with details of nutmeg, cardamom and wild fennel pollen on a sleek and juicy frame. Shows restraint on the finish.

APPEARANCE: Pale straw with a green tinge. NOSE: An enticing, complex array of citrus, lemon/lime rind and pith, with light pineapple and sweet pie crust. Inviting savoury complexities of mushroom, ocean and flinty fire cracker complete the elegant perfume. PALATE: A fleshy entrance with lovely weight and richness is supported by the structure of classic Heytesbury acid and pithy firmness. An almost cuddly core reveals beautiful lemon sponge characters, then finishes dry with hints of fresh sage and stone flint.