Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2022

Winemaking and Drinking

Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2022: A Pinnacle of Margaret River Winemaking

The 2022 vintage of Vasse Felix’s Heytesbury Chardonnay stands as a testament to the vision, precision, and evolution of Margaret River winemaking. Revered among critics and collectors alike, this wine encapsulates the complexity and finesse that the region and indeed the estate has become synonymous with. More than just a flagship label, the Heytesbury Chardonnay is the culmination of decades of innovation, site selection, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Origins and Heritage

Vasse Felix holds the distinction of being Margaret River’s founding wine estate, established in 1967 by Dr. Tom Cullity. Inspired by research into ideal conditions for premium grape growing, Cullity identified Margaret River as a new frontier, echoing the maritime climate of Bordeaux and the free draining gravel loam soils that would later prove ideal for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Chardonnay in this range was developed to showcase the estate’s most exceptional fruit, drawn from selected parcels and crafted with the intent to represent the pinnacle of what Margaret River Chardonnay can be.

The 2022 Vintage: Climate and Vineyard Selection

The 2022 vintage benefited from one of the most harmonious growing seasons in recent memory. A relatively mild spring with consistent flowering conditions led to even fruit set. Summer brought steady warmth without extremes, allowing for slow, even ripening. The absence of heatwaves or heavy rainfall during harvest gave the winemaking team flexibility to pick at optimal ripeness.

Grapes for the Heytesbury Chardonnay are sourced from Vasse Felix’s most expressive sites, primarily the Gingin clone of Chardonnay  known for its high natural acidity and concentrated flavour. The fruit is hand harvested and sorted with precision, ensuring only the finest berries make it to the press.

Winemaking and Tasting Notes

Winemaker Virginia Willcock, a driving force behind Vasse Felix’s stylistic refinement over the past decade, brings a low intervention approach that allows the vineyard character to shine. The 2022 Heytesbury Chardonnay was whole bunch pressed to preserve delicate aromatics, then wild fermented in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques. Extended lees contact with bâtonnage (lees stirring) provided the wine with textural complexity and mouthfeel, while a partial malolactic fermentation added a gentle creaminess.

In the glass, the wine gleams pale gold with green hues. The nose is layered with white peach, flint, struck match, and delicate floral notes  all signatures of Margaret River’s cool maritime influence. On the palate, it shows a tension between generosity and restraint: ripe stone fruits and citrus interlace with savory, mealy characters, supported by piercing acidity and a saline mineral finish that lingers.

Awards and Recognition

Although newly released, the 2022 Heytesbury Chardonnay has already begun accumulating critical acclaim. Early scores from domestic critics suggest this vintage may surpass even the lauded 2020 and 2021 editions, which each received multiple trophies and high ratings from international wine reviewers. The previous vintages were recognized at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the Halliday Wine Companion, and the 2022 is expected to follow in their footsteps, with strong showings anticipated at both Australian and international competitions.

A Continuing Legacy

More than just a bottle of wine, the Heytesbury Chardonnay 2022 reflects the meticulous care of the Vasse Felix team and their deep understanding of site and season. As Margaret River continues to rise in global esteem, this wine serves as a compelling benchmark not just for Australian Chardonnay, but for the global stage. With balance, precision, and age worthiness, it offers both immediate pleasure and long term promise for the discerning collector.