‘Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension…’

97 Points

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.

2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay
A selection of the most unique and striking vineyard sections, recognised for its innovative winemaking, al dente ripeness and distinguishing ‘Heytesbury’ character.
APPEARANCE
Pretty pale-yellow garnet.
NOSE
Wonderfully complex, showing classic aromas of fine stone flint,
lamb fat, and champignon, alongside custard lemon biscuits. Subtle
hints of wet limestone and ocean spray evoke the region’s maritime
influence, while a touch of white leather and sweet new straw bring
savoury notes.
VARIETIES
100% Gingin Clone Chardonnay
HARVESTED
15 February – 7 March 2023
PRESSING
Hand harvested, chilled, whole bunches pressed
JUICE TURBIDITY
PALATE
Beautifully structured with long taut acid lines that provide strength
and power. A fine, dry phenolic texture adds a layer of tension,
complimenting the wine’s depth. The palate evolves with lingering
flavours of grapefruit, clotted cream and hints of ginger and lime leaf.
WINEMAKER COMMENTS
Our most unique small vineyard sections where the Gingin clone
on specific aspect and soil, interplay in such a way to ignite very
special varietal and wild yeast influence. A similar harvest time to the
reasonably late year last year due to cold spring conditions. However,
dry conditions and a sunny mild January saw ripening speed up
with flavour and sugar reaching ideal ripeness with high acidity, so
natural MLF was allowed to complete. Delicate flavours held tightly,
resulted in beautiful restraint and balance. Hand-harvested, whole
bunches were pressed and transferred direct to barrel as unclarified
juice. Fermented with natural yeasts from the vineyard, then nurtured
in our cellar for 9 months in oak with some lees stirring, then 7
months harmonising in tank on full lees before filtering and bottling.
100% Gingin clone and true to Heytesbury perfume and structure.
A savoury, delicate and beautifully structured wine, showcasing
impressive complexity from a dry, cool year.
VINTAGE DESCRIPTION
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 mild 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

$139,

Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 750ml 2023 x 1