Product Information:
The relatively calm 2023 vintage made from excellent Premier Cru Chardonnay. Made form mostly the Gingin clone, known for its vibrant acidity and exuberant fruit core. This Chardonnay delivers lifted white peach, pear, greengage plum perfume, followed by orchard blossom aromas, warmed stones and vanilla bean. The palate is satin-like, complex, with a rich core of fruit. Purified lemon and oils, ginger, crème brûlée. Finishes dry, with flecks of minerality.
The 2023 season had an excellent balance with more fruit and canopy, reflecting vine health and minimal heat stress from a milder season. Their Gingin clone fruit retained excellent acidity which suggested most plots desired completion of a natural MLF. Some sections are typically hand-harvested, gently whole-bunch pressed and transferred to French oak barriques as unclarified juice for fermentation. The balance were Selective harvested and direct pressed with very high solids juice racked to barrel. All batches were fermented with natural yeasts from the vineyard. Each batch is typically left on lees in barrel for 8 months of maturation with an additional 6 months blended in the cellar for harmonisation before being bottled. Only Premier Cru Chardonnay sections were selected which included predominately Gingin clone and to approximately 16% Bernard clones 95, 96 and 76.
Maker:
Established in 1967 by trailblazer Dr Tom Cullity, Vasse Felix is the pioneering wine estate of Margaret River, one of the world’s premier wine regions. The estate harnesses the region’s exceptional environment and climate to produce distinguished wines. From its inception, Vasse Felix has been dedicated to capturing the essence of Margaret River through its focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends. The estate’s three vineyards in Margaret River provide the foundation for its wines, which are vinified and bottled at their contemporary winery overlooking the Wilyabrup Brook. Vasse Felix stands out for its remarkable environment, family ownership, cherished heritage, and invaluable vineyards. Above all, it upholds Dr Cullity’s original vision: to craft the finest wine possible.
Vasse Felix got its name from its founder, Dr. Tom Cullity. An avid historian, Dr. Cullity named the vineyard Vasse Felix, which means 'lucky/happy' Vasse. He hoped that the vineyard would enjoy a happier fate than the original Vasse, a French sailor who sought refuge in the region in the late 18th century. The name Vasse Felix has since become synonymous with the winery's commitment to excellence and its role in shaping the Margaret River region into a premier wine destination. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Vasse Felix stands as a beacon of winemaking excellence, consistently producing wines that showcase the unique terroir and character of the region.
The Margaret River wine region in Australia is known for its exceptional wines and beautiful landscapes. With a maritime climate and diverse soils, it provides ideal conditions for grape cultivation. At the heart of Vasse Felix's portfolio is their iconic Cabernet Sauvignon, a true testament to the winery's dedication to crafting world-class wines. Grown in the region's renowned gravelly soils, these Cabernet Sauvignon grapes develop exceptional complexity, depth and structure. Vasse Felix is equally renowned for their expressive Chardonnay. Grown in the region's cool climate and ancient soils, these Chardonnay grapes produce wines of undeniable finesse and vibrancy. Vasse Felix's commitment to sustainable viticulture is evident in their vineyard practices. Embracing organic and biodynamic principles, the winery ensures that their vines are in harmony with the environment. This dedication to sustainability not only preserves the land for future generations but also enhances the purity and authenticity of their wines.
Vineyard:
2023 A cool dry spring delayed vine development by 2-3 weeks, allowing time to open canopies which paid off come veraison. December, January and February brought consistent dry and warm conditions which saw vine development catch up nicely. Yields and bunch weights were a highlight, with fruit displaying beautiful balance. Ideal mild conditions allowed Chardonnay to develop bright acidity and sound flavour ripeness. March brought three small rain incidents, the most significant of which occurred post white harvest. Cool evenings and moderate daytime temperatures with afternoon sea breezes were ideal for gentle, consistent tannin ripening in our reds which maintained dense flavour. Low Marri Blossom presence resulted in the largest netting program since 2019, with bird pressure at a high during harvest. Overall, vineyard plots have shown excellent balance with more fruit and canopy, reflecting vine health and minimal heat stress from a milder season.
Nose - Juicy White Peach, Jasmine Florals, Flint
Bees wax that gracefully mingles juicy white peach, pear and green plum. Perfumed jasmine, herbal tea notes add an alluring touch, hints of flint and vanilla bean.
Palate - Savoury Complexities, Lemon Custard, Ginger
A sumptuous palate, rich core framed by a delicate dry structure. Silken texture envelops the taste buds, revealing complex flavours of purified lemon, ginger, custard and delicate peach.
Finish - Delicate Peach, Cream, Stony Minerals
The wine amounts to a lovely dry, chalky feel, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and finesse.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Margaret River, Western Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
