Light, bright yellow hue. Smoky oak and reductive notes add a patina to the bouquet which is more complex as a result. Grapefruit rocketing through on the palate, which is taut and refined, focused and long. Great precision here. Grapefruit comes up more and more on the nose (Gingin clone?), while the palate is impressively intense, refined, subtly concentrated and extremely long-lasting. A great chardonnay with a very bright future ahead of it. 24 FEB 2021 Drink 2021–2034
97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com
Vasse Felix have retained the Heytesbury name for their best chardonnay, while dropping it for their top red in lieu of the Tom Cullity. Winemaker Virginia Willcock has elevated these Vasse Felix chardonnays to the top echelon within Margaret River – which means Australia. This wine shows the influence of the cool vintage which has contributed to a refined and so elegantly crafted chardonnay. It does have more new oak than the standard version, but the power and intensity of the fruit handles it easily so the balance is maintained without a hint of excessiveness. Only natural yeasts are used and it gets nine months in oak with some batonage giving a slightly charry character that augments the intense grapefruit and pear characters on the palate. Long and defined, the fruit seems to glow with luminosity making this one of the finest yet under this label.
98 points Ray Jordan The West Australian
This release is reminiscent of the savoury funk of our 2014 Chardonnays which also looked quite harmonious in their youth. Funky and complex, this is an excellent example of cool vintage Heytesbury Chardonnay.
A remarkably harmonious wine at such a young age, with incredible weight, phenolic texture and beautiful ripe flavours on release. On opening, the characteristic wild savoury complexities are immediately evident, a result of the rare fruit selections and wild yeast characteristics which create that distinguishing ‘Heytesbury’ character.Made from 100% Gingin clone selections, the palate displays the typical linear acidity and al dente texture that defines the powerful structure of this wine.Very approachable in its youth, it will integrate and become even deeper with time.
Virginia Willcock Vasse Felix Chief Winemaker
Product/Service Sold Out | Yes |
---|---|
En Primeur | No |
New Arrivals | No |
Wine Type | White Wine |
Wine Style | Traditional |
Country | Australia |
Region | Margaret River |
Varietals | Chardonnay |
Vintage | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Wine Points | 97 |