Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2020

This may well be the best Vasse Felix chardonnay yet, setting aside Heytesbury of course. This was an outstanding early vintage in Margaret River, with low yields and fantastic quality. It was 100% barrel fermented using only indigenous yeasts with full solids impact in the wine. It was matured in French oak for 10 months, followed by another 7 months harmonising on lees in tank before bottling. Winemaker Virginia Willcock sources from a number of vineyard sites, mostly with the Gingin clone although this year about 22% Bernard clone was added. There’s a chalky bony character here which really gives the wine definition. At the same time a rich textural concentration emerges through the palate with that crisp minerally acid sustaining a prolonged finish. A super example of this wine that sits just below the Heytesbury. There is quite a deal of ageing potential here.