Chardonnay Season Part 3 – Vasse Felix
Barry Weinman: 19th April 2025
It has been a privilege to watch the evolution of Vasse Felix’s chardonnays, and in 2023, they have released a stunning trio of wines.
Besides their sheer quality, the most interesting aspect of this release is the stylistic difference between the DHJ1 and the other two.
The similarities between the Premier (gold cap) and Heytesbury are clearly evident, with the latter possessing greater depth and presence, but sharing a similar profile. Whereas the DHJ1 treads a different path, one that I am happy to follow!
I reviewed the 2023 Heytesbury here , so will focus on the other two for this review.
Reviewed
Vasse Felix – DHJ1 – Singe Plot – Chardonnay – 2023. Oh my, this is really very good. On first glance, it presents as very fine and elegant, reflective of its cooler climate origin, but it metamorphoses as it sits in the mouth, building layer upon layer of fruit, complemented by superb winemaking that, somehow, imparts an extra dimension of goodness (think texture, mouthfeel and depth), without impeding the flow of the fruit for a moment. The length and persistence of flavours are outstanding. Great wine. 12.5% – 96pts – $80.00.
Vasse Felix – Chardonnay – 2023. Another fine wine, but here, everything has been pared back. It lacks for nothing, but is a more subtle and supple expression of chardonnay. Very fine, this just gets better and better in the glass. Drinks well despite its youth, with excellent phenolics adding greatly to the mouthfeel. 13.0% alc – 94pts – $50.