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2016 Heytesbury Chardonnay

A selection of the most unique and striking vineyard sections, recognised for its innovative winemaking and distinguishing 'Heytesbury' character.

 

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  • Colour

    Pale yellow straw.

    Nose

    Exotic floral details, with white peach and grapefruit, interweaving struck match, nougat and a nutty/mealy, custard complexity.

    Palate

    The palate is bursting with a luscious lemon freshness and stone fruit power that is sustained for incredible length. It builds in the mouth to reveal flavours of citrus tart and moreish sweet crust. The fine contribution of oak toast and acidity maintain a delicious, drying structure with a succulent core.

  • Winemaker's notes

    Our most unique small sections within our vineyards where clone, aspect and soil interplay in such a way that sets these parcels apart from the rest. Each batch was very gently pressed and the juice then transferred directly to barriques with the inclusion of all solids to achieve more of the unique vineyard character. Each batch was fermented wild with no yeast addition and was stirred throughout the nine months of maturation, allowing the yeast lees to impart further complexity, texture and palate weight to the wine. With bright, high acidity in 2016, natural malolactic fermentation was encouraged and completed.
  • Varietals 100% Chardonnay
    Alcohol 13.0%
    Cellaring potential 7 - 10 years
    HarvestedFebruary 2016
    Oak100% French oak, 9 months (57% New, 43% 1-2 year old)
    TA6.5g/L
    PH3.17
    Residual Sugar1.0g/L
    BottledFebruary 2017

  • Vintage Description

    Moderate spring conditions at the end of 2015 helped establish a healthy fruit set and better yields than the previous two seasons. January temperatures were warm, interrupted by one rainfall event late in the month, great viticulture management, clean, well-trimmed canopies and subsequent warm weather prevented disease risk. White varieties were harvested throughout February with elegant flavours and high natural acidity.
2016 Heytesbury Chardonnay
Single Bottle $85.00
Save 10% in a case - $76.50
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  • 2016 Heytesbury Chardonnay - Reviews

    Reviews

  • 18.9 points
    Eastern Reporter, Perth - John Jens
    The best of the other great chardonnays out there are the soon to be released Vasse Felix Heytesbury 2016, which will disappear very quickly, is more refined and could even surpass its best ever release to date, the wonderful 2015.
    October 2017
  • 97 points
    WA Today - David Prestipino
    The complexity spectrum is out of this world ... layer upon layer of sweetness, tropical fruits and roasted nuts are immersed with super refined citrus and buttery overtones, all resplendent thanks to precise oak and bright acidity that leave the palate fresh and firing for quite some time. Moves like a butterfly around the palate, while still retaining the grit of a tiger around the edges thanks to the precise fruit and winemaking skills of Virginia Willcock.
    October 2017
  • 98 points
    HuonHooke.com
    This has a youthful, bright, light yellow colour with a bright, fresh, citrusy fruit and subtly smoky bouquet, while the palate is high-acid and tangy, very zesty and appealingly nervy, with marvellously refined fruit intensity. The palate is seamless and refined, with great line and delicacy, and prodigious length. A great wine - an Australian grand cru. Outstanding.
    October 2017
  • 98 points
    The West Australian Wine Guide 2018 - Ray Jordan
    This is the pinnacle of Vasse Felix's chardonnay pyramid and it, yet again, is a mighty good wine. Notes of oatmeal and grapefruit with a white peach roasted cashew influence infused. The palate is so beautifully balanced with the oak and fruit integration perfect. Sits easily in the mouth then powers through to a long finish. Dry savoury notes complete the picture. Classy.
    November 2017
  • Australian Financial Review - Max Allen
    "..this is an oil painting, rich in swirling brushwork that evokes the wild coastline and wind in the forests of the Margaret River region. The chardonnay fruit flavours are intense like midday sunshine, the oak subtle but persuasive, framing the fruit in a beautiful way."
    February 2018
  • 91 points
    Wine Spectator Insider
    White Lip-smacking, with juicy forwardness, offering tangerine, mango and citrus flavors and a tease of spice and toast lingering in the background. Shows plenty of grace and elegance. Drink now.
    December 2017
  • 93 points
    Wine Advocate - Joe Czerwinski
    The 2016 Heytesbury Chardonnay is a pristine, focused example of the variety as grown in Margaret River. It seems more crystalline and pure, less opulent and showy than previous vintages, although I must confess a bit of ambivalence about that. Pineapple and citrus dominate the nose with just subtle oak shadings (although it's typically 50% or more new). It's medium-bodied in the mouth with a soft, custard-like richness and a silky texture that fades slowly away on the lemon-tinged finish.
    January 2018
  • 97 Points
    JamesSuckling.com
    A very complex flinty and hazelnut style that has a strong play of fine French oak on the nose. Plenty of layers to the aromas here from white peaches and nectarine fruits to grapefruit and lemons. Immense grapefruit and citrus depth on the palate with warm oak spices and well-layered savory threads. Long and effortless power. Drink now. Screw cap.
    January 2018
  • Superbly Shaped and Gentle
    Gourmet Traveller Wine
    Superbly shaped and gentle, this refined and polished chardonnay reveals scents of grape-fruit, lemon, creamy vanilla oak and yellow flowers lifted by spicy notes of cinnamon and coriander. Initially fluffy and forward, its vibrant core of white peach, citrus and nougat becomes more savoury down the palate, culminating in a crunchy, refreshing finish of minerals and oyster brine.
    Feb/March 2018
  • Multi-layered, powerful Chardonnay
    The Wine Detective - Sarah Ahmed
    What I can say is that I like this savoury, textural style with its struck match and sour dough notes very much.. it remains balanced, persistent, indeed long and powerful as it builds and gathers impetus in the mouth, suggesting the best is yet to come. Oak provides support, smoke and spice. This is a multi-layered, powerful Chardonnay, still unfurling.
    January 2018
  • #2 - The Most Exciting Wines of 2017
    Decanter Magazine
    An expressive, reductive style revealing aromas of buttery ripe apple and melon, intense with a wisp of autumnal smoke. Oatmeal and lemon pith meld with orange box characters, lemon oil and roasted almond notes. There is persistence here, which will see it through for some years to come. Drink 2018-2026 Alc 13% (2014 Vintage)
    December 2017
  • Gold
    Texsom International Wine Awards
    Judges' Selection Nomination Variety - Chardonnay
    March 2018

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