A selection of the most unique and striking vineyard plots, recognised for its innovative winemaking, al dente ripeness and distinguishing ‘Heytesbury’ character.
A cool, winter-like spring saw vine growth delayed in development. Rainfall in October was significant. A dry and warm summer, with sustained warmth day and night through December, January and February, possibly influenced by another La Niña season, saw a rapid ripening period for all white varieties, with all vineyards harvested in little over a month. Fruit quality was excellent with surprising delicacy and elegance. A low yielding vintage, primarily due to spring conditions over the past two years. Warm and rapid veraison for whites in January was ideal and saw the Chardonnay’s desirable ripe flavours pronounce themselves quickly. Vine health remained fantastic, with fruit quality high and flavours concentrated.
Langton's Classified
The glorious and expressive Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay is made up of individual sections of the Gin Gin clone. It evokes an exquisite balance between vineyards, emotional sensibility and technical brilliance. Batch vinification, bâttonage and maturation for nine months in around 60% (barely detectable) new and seasoned French oak results in a benchmark style with superb grapefruit and flinty aromatics, al dente textures and creamy complexity.
96 points
Evocative and lifted aromas of grapefruit pith, grilled nuts, struck match, just-ripe white stone fruit, melon skin and nougat. Complex, layered, textured and mouth-filing, with super balance between fruit, oak and acidity. Lashings of citrus, stone fruit and melon are all at play. The palate has a seamlessness to it, with just the right touch of phenolics and zippy acidity.