Chardonnay Of The Year | 99 Points - Halliday Wine Companion
Vasse Felix is one of Margaret River's biggest names, regularly delivering benchmark expressions of the styles synonymous with this highly acclaimed region. Their flagship Heytesbury Chardonnay is made from a selection of the most unique and distinguished vineyards. An iconic Margaret River, the 2023 vintage was named 'White Wine Of The Year' and 'Chardonnay Of The Year' in the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion.
"99 Points. 2026 White Wine of the Year, Chardonnay of the Year. Score awarded by the Halliday tasting panel at the annual Awards judging. JF writes: When it comes to the best of the best, provenance is paramount. And taste memory utmost, especially when tasting Heytesbury made under Virginia Willcock’s tutelage (in ’26 she clocks up 20 years as chief winemaker at Vasse Felix, during which time she has transformed chardonnay in the region and beyond). Her influence is here in this wine, and ’23 will be known as one of the finest. It's hard to explain because it’s still very tightly wound, yet it has depth and volume. Oscillating between power and refinement, intensity and pure drinking pleasure. Grapefruit, Meyer lemon, a crushed oyster shell note, flinty, moreish sulphides, texture, mouth-watering, pure acidity and so much more besides. Nothing else to say other than that this is outstanding. $140. Drink: 2025 - 2036. Screwcap"- Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2026.
