Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2023

A sensational Heytesbury that captures all the finely-etched detail of the great, cool 2023 harvest and unites it with the wonderfully textured mouth feel of wild fermentation on full solids. It carries an incredible, effortless poise, capturing the full concentration and presence of the gin gin clone and at the same time finesse, energy and grand endurance. A true Grand Cru Chardonnay and one of the great Heytesburys. (98) TYSON STELZER

The 2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay reveals all the poise and balance we expect from the season. It is awesome. This feels totally weighted on the back palate. The fruit intensity, coupled with powerful acidity and phenolic presence, fully penetrates beyond mere "flavor experience" and dives deep into the senses; the only option left is to ride that wave until it slowly fades. It's a persistent, sophisticated wine of latent power and patience. While this is released two years from harvest, it doesn't start to show its complex potential until around five years from harvest and far beyond that. It's slow to emerge and slow to age. This is a 100% Gingin clone Chardonnay, matured in French oak barriques, 52% new, for nine months, with seven months blended in tank prior to bottling. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. (97+) ERIN LARKIN

Pale colour. Intense grapefruit, bitter lemon aromas with roasted almond, vanilla notes. Pure, buoyant and refined with fresh grapefruit, honey dew melon, tonic water flavours, fine loose knit al dente textures, attractive creamy mid-palate and well-integrated marzipan vanilla notes. Finishes chalky, crisp and minerally. Delicious wine. Drink now – 2036. (97) ANDREW CAILLARD MW