Margaret River Chardonnay

This is the 2nd rated Vasse Felix Chardonnay behind the world class Heytesbury and ahead of the amazing value Filius. This was my last 2017 having made no notes for the first two. Expresses everything which is great about Margaret River Chardonnay. Complexity without cost. Ripe grapefruit with a balanced creamy French oak note which is largely integrated at 7 years of age. More citrus than stone fruit - a little nectarine? Great QPR at $31 AUD.

No formal notes. This is the regular Estate Chardonnay behind the prestige cuvée Heytesbury. Citrus lime notes with an overlay of vanillin French oak, probably too much but it works. On the delicate side - an excellent Chardonnay for the money. Had a 2nd bottle 100 weeks later on 22/4/25. Very citric with pink grapefruit bitterness. Initial aromas of almonds and a little cashew. I’ve had a spate of Citric lean Chardonnays from Margaret River lately like this and Xanadu Stevens Road. April 2025. 91 points.

Who says Aussie chard can’t age? This is delicious. Clearly new world but such length. Whoa.

Translucent yellow. Meyer lemon, pear nectar, jasmine, vanilla and a hint of buttered toast on the intensely perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering sappy citrus and orchard fruit, floral, ginger and sweet butter flavors and a suggestion of salty minerality. Shows impressive energy and mineral bite on the chewy, penetrating finish, which features a repeating floral note. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, July 2021)

Solid chardy, but not in the style I like. Certainly could be more precise and less oakey, but it is quite accessible at the moment and well-balanced.

Previewing the Vasse Felix 17 Chardonnay. Such a delicious, well balanced, well priced Chardonnay. You can taste every bit of love put in by this beautiful family Sundowner team.

Margaret river chardonnay is becoming a thing.

This is 2nd in the Vasse Felix Chardonnay pecking order after the Flagship Heytesbury and before the budget Filius. Well made as always. Aromas of buttered popcorn and citrus. On the palate citrus flavours which fleshed out with breathing. Quite youthful with good tension. Ticks all the boxes as a classy Chardonnay. Will go another 5 plus years. Had another bottle 15 weeks later with consistent notes. Not far off the standard of its big brother the Heytesbury, one of Australia’s best Chardonnays. Good combination of Oak,citrus, grilled nuts and funky aromas.

Spiced apple, lemon curd, white peach with marzipan, nougat, marshmallow oatmeal, clove and just a suggestion of sulphides. It’s generous in its delivery, but even with full malo there’s some driving acid that drives the finish and shapes things up beautifully.

Too modern. Average at best. Too much alcohol on the finish.