A sentimental purchase, because we fell in love with this brand during our last trip to Australia in 2002. Found this at a west coast Kroger everything-store (groceries/hardware/garden/household furnishings) who doesn't stock quality producers--last place I'd expect to find an upscale Margaret River wine. I was only in that aisle because it was the best way to get to the meat department where I was headed for pork chops, it's a miracle I saw it. Tasted over two nights:
2024 Vasse Felix Chardonnay Filius Margaret River
A beautifully pitched modern Margaret River Chardonnay that leans into freshness and detail rather than sheer weight. The nose opens with preserved lemon, green apple and green pineapple with saline, struck flint and restrained oak. Quietly sophisticated. Must add that if I were served this blind, I would gone straight to France, not Oz. Second day: even better with more balance, viscosity and more-pronounced lemon oil notes.