(2023) This is the entry level Chardonnay from one of Margaret River's star estates, and one of the founding wineries of the region. Winemaker Virginia Willcock loves a bit of flinty character and this is both wild fermented and with just 12.5% alcohol obviously picked early to emphasise that character and refreshing natural acidity. Seven months in French oak barriques (13% new) and batonnage give it richness too. Cashew and oatmeal on the nose, a touch of butter and lemon, and that wisp of fresh-struck flint. In the mouth it is medium bodied and elegant, with a sweet edge to the oranges and lemon fruit, plenty of acid bite and great clarity to the finish. Very good value on a £10.99 mixed six deal. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.
I created a wine database 15 years ago, in which I have logged approximately 2700 unique wines. I retired this week and gleaned a list of the best QPR wines now that I need to be more frugal. I noticed one the best Australian values was a Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2016. Didn’t I see that somewhere recently? Oh yea, on Wine-Pages!
Cheers Ned – fascinating to know that this one stood the test of time and fought off 2,699 competitors 🙂