Vasse Felix Chardonnay is typified by its bright, elegant fruit, subtle wild complexities, tight structure and fresh acidity, reflecting the vibrancy and purity of this variety in Margaret River. ‘Filius’ translates to ‘son of’ in Latin, reflecting the relationship between this wine and its Premier ‘father’.
A cool, high-humidity start to vintage meant we benefited greatly from precise canopy management to mitigate disease pressure and optimise sun exposure for the fruit. The success of this program enabled us to harvest ripe, clean fruit with slightly lower alcohol and great natural acidity. Mild conditions allowed for extended ripening, creating beautiful aromatics and fine ripe tannins in our reds. Marri Blossom was non-existent throughout the region in 2019, resulting in the largest netting program ever seen at Vasse Felix to protect the fruit from bird damage. Overall, a labour-intensive vintage that resulted in beautiful quality fruit.
92 points
Such juicy and attractive, ripe stone fruit rules the nose with an edge of mineral and flint. The palate is mouthwateringly juicy and offers a wealth of peach, pear and mango flavor, wrapped up in a dry, crisp finish. Drink now. Screw cap.
93 points
This distinctive version strikes an appealing balance between a core of fresh citrus flavors of pear, lime and Meyer lemon and a rich, toasty angle with nutmeg and hazelnut. There’s a complexity and harmony on the long, expressive finish,where a rooibos tea note lingers.
93 Points
Expectations are always high for the Filius Chardonnay as over the years it has shown itself to be a surprisingly serious Margaret River Chardonnay. Plenty of local winemakers struggle to make their top wines as good as #3 from Vasse Felix, which is a tribute to Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock.
91 Points
An almost bracing and certainly fresh and lively young chardonnay made for pretty much immediate drinking. Lovely aperitif style if you wish.