2013 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay

Produced from a selection of the finest parcels of fruit from Vasse Felix’s top vineyards each batch was fermented wild and underwent regular lees stirring to impart additional complexity, texture and palate weight. No malolactic fermentation was encouraged as there was an emphasis on bright, natural acidity. Maturation took place in French oak for 9.5 months of which 73% was new.

An Outstanding Margaret River Chardonnay that’s refined, full of finesse and possesses great length

Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of delicate white peach and nectarine are overlaid by some flinty match stick notes with trailing biscuity oak, subtle cashew and spice. Medium weighted with great complexity and length the palate features white peach and nectarine flavours infused with flinty struck match stick characters over some biscuity oak and a subtle minerality. Clean dry finish with ideal freshness and a very long aftertaste of flinty struck match stick characters, lightly toasted biscuit, nectarine, cashew and mineral.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Spent 9.5 months in French oak (73% new, 27% 1-2yo). The track record of this great chardonnay label speaks for itself: it is all about breed and disciplined power; the grapes were picked at exactly the right moment, the fruit-oak balance calculated down to the finest imaginable degree, the length beyond any doubt or discussion. Drink by 2025.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion