2009 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 750ml

Overview

Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay is a flagship Margaret River white, made from a selection of the estate's most unique and striking vineyard sections. The wine is recognised for its al dente ripeness, innovative winemaking and distinctive Heytesbury perfume and structure.

The 2009 vintage was shaped by a slightly later harvest, producing a savoury, delicate and beautifully structured Chardonnay with restraint, balance and complexity.

Vineyard & Fruit

The wine comes from small vineyard sections where Gingin clone Chardonnay, specific aspects and soil interplay create the distinctive Heytesbury character. Fruit was hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed.

Winemaking

The whole bunches were pressed and transferred directly to barrel as unclarified juice. Fermentation took place with natural yeasts from the vineyard, and natural malolactic fermentation was allowed to complete. The wine was nurtured in cellar for 15 months, including nine months in oak with some lees stirring, followed by six months blended in tank.

Oak maturation took place in French oak barriques, 56% new and 44% one- to three-year-old barrels.

Reviews & Awards

• 96 Points - Jeremy Oliver, tasted January 2010
• 95 Points - The Wine Front, 2009 Vintage
• 93 Points - Bob Campbell, tasted April 2012
• Silver - International Wine Challenge, awarded 2011

Food Pairing

Pairs well with mushroom dishes, chicken korma, pork with herbs, tomato and mozzarella salad, and Waterloo cheese.

Technical Details

• Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Clone: Gingin clone
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Residual Sugar: 1 g/L
• Production: Less than 24,000 bottles
• Winemaker: Virginia Willcock
• Drinking Window: 2010-2020