Vasse Felix ’Margaret River’ Chardonnay 2006

NOTES

Vasse Felix was the first commercial vineyard and winery to be established in the Margaret River region of Western Australia. The vineyard took its unusual name from an early event in the district. Vasse was a French seaman who drowned last century when his longboat overturned near the site of Busselton while exploring the coastline on the ship "Geographe" under Captain Freycinet. Paradoxically, Felix is the Latin word for fortunate or luck. Thus the name refers to a favoured place in Australia discovered by the French.

The 2006 vintage in Margaret River was one of the coolest experienced by the region, and proved to be ideal for the Chardonnay grapes, being an early ripening variety. Sugar ripeness was accelerated with acids remaining relatively high. The Chardonnays grapes used have smaller than normal berries providing some acid zip. Wild fermentation (natural indigenous yeast) and lees stirring has brought texture, richness and complexity to the aromas and mouthfeel of this perfectly balanced wine.

TASTING NOTES

Pale straw in colour with bright green tinges, the wine is highly perfumed with lifted floral notes. Defined Chardonnay aromas of citrus oil, white peach, tropical fruits, lemon sorbet and floral spice provide clean and precise aromatics. French oak maturation for 10 months adds subtle toasty complexity and sweet honeycomb flavours.
A full bodied wine with good fruit sweetness and depth, with the palate very typical of a luscious chardonnay finely structured by fresh acidity and green apple flavours. Wild fermentation and lees stirring offers texture and richness to this perfectly balanced wine. Enjoy upon release or allow further richness and complexity to develop over the next 3 – 5 years.