This is a gorgeous Chardonnay from a superb winery in the west of Australia that was established by a doctor with family roots in Kerry!
Full of flavour and balance, this fresh and vibrant wine has citrus peel, green apple, pear, peach and nectarine flavours with complex notes of jasmine, grapefruit and lime. The mouthfeel is medium-rich, creamy and very refined, but no traces of heavy oak aggression and a focused tension that enhances the vibrancy promised on the nose.
It's stunning wine that is remarkably only 12.5% alcohol. It achieves its position because of its context - perched at the edge of the western seaboard on pebbly soils, it is the direct beneficiary of maritime influences and the balance that the Australian continental land mass brings, in terms of heat and dryness.
Picked from younger vines in various plots across the estate, the wine is fermented in differing vessels before ageing for seven months in used French oak barrels. This funnily enough encourages the brighter flavours of the Chardonnay to shine - it's the style they look for and it is delivered in classy abundance.
Founded in 1967 by Cardiologist Tom Cullity, who's grandparents were born on neighbouring farms in Kerry, the winery is Margaret River's first commercial winery and very quickly set the bar for what has become a vibrant and seriously respected region in the world of wine. The soils, climate, aspect to the sun and the access to natural subterranean water supplies made it the perfect spot for him to live out his vision for Vasse Felix, which is the same to this day: "to make the best possible wine".
Region: Margaret River
Country: Australia
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Style: Vibrant, Svelte, Smooth, Silky, Pure, Medium Bodied, Juicy, Fruity, Fleshy, Elegant, Crisp, Complex, Broad, Balanced
Best food matches: Warm Salads, Tuna, Trout, Sushi, St Stephen's Day, Squid, Soft Cheeses, Shellfish, Seafood, Scallops, Salads, Roasts, Poultry, Pork, Pizza, Oysters, Mature Cheeses, Lobster, Hard Cheeses, Grills, Duck, Christmas Dinner, Cheeses, Charcuterie, Casseroles, Asparagus, Aperitif
Alcohol: 14%
