Vasse Felix Chardonnay Heytesbury 2017

Bright, light golden straw. On the nose, elegant, fragrant notes of hazelnut, mealy wafer and brioche intertwine with grapefruit, hints of fine lemon pith and honey dew melon. Underlying tones of candlewax, champignon, ginger and fennel also play a part in this complex perfume. A satin light entrance builds to a long, tangy dry finish filled with delicate characters reminiscent of peach custard brioche, hazelnuts and candle wax, supported by fine lemon pith and anise.

95 Points - James Suckling    Cool, stone aromas with subtle cooked apples and lemons. Cream and floral undertones. Full body. Layered and flavorful with so much intensity of fruit and cellar finesse. Yet, always subtle and tight. Full and fresh. Drink now. Screw cap.

95 Points - Vinous    Pale, bright-hued yellow. Intense, smoke-accented aromas of white peach, Anjou pear and Meyer lemon, along with a bright floral overtone and a touch of iodine. Juicy and densely packed, displaying a suave interplay of depth and vivacity to the citrus and orchard fruit and buttered toast flavors. Picks up a vibrant mineral nuance with air and shows outstanding clarity and back-end lift. The impressively long, incisive finish echoes the floral and citrus fruit notes and betrays zero rough edges. Two-thirds new French oak.

92 Points - Wilfred Wong of Wine    The Margaret River has produced some markedly top-quality Chardonnays. The 2017 Vasse Felix is a showcase of quality. This wine delivers excellent fruit and superb vitality. Its aromas and flavors of dried peaches and tension on the palate should pair it well with steamed mussels over a bed of al dente noodles. 

91 Points - Wine Spectator    A crisp note of flint emerges in the background of this intense white, offering a core of peach, melon and tangerine flavors. Shades of green tea linger on the finish, with fresh acidity. Drink now.