Filius Chardonnay

Pork, Rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), Vegetarian, Poultry

2017 was a cooler and later vintage than the previous 10 years; a year of elegant, perhaps slightly lighter bodied wines, though ripe in flavour, vibrant and very perfumed. Higher than average yields in combination with a cooler season contributed to delayed ripening of the fruit and good acid retention. Some timely warmth and sunshine occurred throughout January, although February temperatures remained moderate with some rainfall. With the cooler weather, canopy management and fruit thinning was imperative to mitigate disease pressures and allow for even, persistent ripening. There was a warm start to March to finish the white harvest, followed by the driest April since 1982, finishing the reds beautifully.

Following 8 months of maturation in oak, the parcels of vibrant fruit and elegant fruit weight with complexity, were combined to create a unique varietal Chardonnay from Margaret River. For the second year in a row, we underwent MLF due to high acidity at harvest.

All parcels were treated in respect of the unique qualities coming from each of our vineyard sites; natural fermentation with varying solids levels, fine French Oak and battonage programs were tailored to each individual batch.

Established in 1967 by regional pioneer Dr Tom Cullity Vasse Felix is Margaret River's founding wine estate. Pristine isolation ancient lands and twin oceans make Margaret River a wine paradise and one of the world’s greatest environments to grow ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These varieties alongside Shiraz and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends are the primary focus at Vasse Felix. All wines are grown in Vasse Felix’s four Margaret River vineyards then vinified and bottled within the modern winery situated at the Home Vineyard overlooking the Wilyabrup Brook. The Vasse Felix Cellar Door - also located at the Home Vineyard - is renowned. Featuring a tasting room wine lounge art gallery wine museum and one of Australia's most acclaimed restaurants visitors are welcomed from all around the world eager for the ultimate Vasse Felix experience. There are many things that make Vasse Felix the special place it is: the incredible environment and climate of Margaret River their secure family ownership their treasured heritage and their priceless vineyards. But above all it's the dedication of the entire team to continue Dr Cullity's original aim for Vasse Felix: to make the best possible wine.