Description
Established in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix is Margaret River’s founding wine estate. The wine collection is centred upon Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with alternative wine styles of Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends. The viticulture program is sensitive to the unique needs of Margaret River’s pristine environment and ancient, tough soils. The wines are reputed for their pure site expression, resulting in a collection of celebrated Margaret River icons, through to contemporary house styles. The Vasse Felix Winery and Vineyards are certified members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
About this wine from the winemakers: “The quintessential Margaret River Chardonnay, made from a selection of Vasse Felix’s premier plots of powerful Chardonnay. Made in the modern Margaret River style of elegance, power and restraint, with the wild complexity which distinguishes Vasse Felix Chardonnay.
“Selected premier parcels of Chardonnay rooted in the lean soils of the coastal ridge delivered naturally concentrated, low-yielding fruit. Select sections were hand-harvested, gently whole-bunch pressed and transferred to French oak barriques as unclarified juice for fermentation. The remaining parcels were Selectiv-harvested and direct pressed, producing cloudy, high-solids juice that was then racked to barrel. All batches relied solely on the vineyard’s indigenous yeasts for fermentation. Each batch was matured on lees in barrel for ten months before blending, followed by a further five months of harmonisation in the cellar prior to bottling. The majority of our Premier Chardonnay (90%) is Gingin clone, providing strength, power and structure, while the balance comprises Bernard clones 95, 96 and 76, bringing lightness, softness and a creamy texture for complete palate harmony. The warm, dry and early harvest of 2024 has gifted this wine enormous power, with purity maintained through the resilience of the Gingin clone and the exceptional health of canopies following a warm spring.”
“The 2024 vintage was early and fast-paced. An early spring, the warmest in memory, saw below-average rainfall, leading to early flowering, veraison, and fantastic growing conditions for the canopies. Summer brought no rainfall and sustained warmth, with no extremes, ensuring most fruit ripened without damage. Harvest began in mid-January with Wilyabrup Chardonnay, displaying great balance and flavour. Sauvignon Blanc followed, with slightly lower yields but ripefruit flavours. The Marri blossom was phenomenal this year, keeping bird pressure to almost zero. Despite the early start and warm, consistent conditions, the fruit quality was beyond expectations.
“Straw with a gold and green tinge. Beautifully complex yet perfectly complete. Just ripe rockmelon and honeydew with citrus blossom, a touch of lemongrass and tarragon, flowing into savoury notes of mushroom and chicken bouillon, balanced by mineral notes of struck flint and seaspray. A weighted, fleshy core, balanced by fresh acidity and fine dry phenolics that frame its power and complexity. Grilled nectarine, roast pecan, galangal, and smoked cream drive the flavour to a bright pure finish.”
96 points, Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling “What a great release, fresh and mineral yet showing a touch of the sun from the warmer vintage. Aromas of Meyer lemons, oyster shell, shortbread, crushed river stones and grapefruit pith. The refined palate is tightly wound with focused acidity and underlying power that will only develop. So much generosity with a hint of funk, pure drive and a precise, compact style. Excellent. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
95 points, Ray Jordan “A slightly more generous style of chardonnay, showing richness and concentration while retaining fine linear precision. Minerally lemon curd with a savoury edge, intense and sustained. One of the best under this label.”
RRP $51 Our Special Price $37.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
