Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2023 — pale gold bottle, Margaret River barrel-fermented white — available at The Wine Box Kenya

Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2023

In stock

Purchase this item and get 560 Points

KShs12,985 incl. of VAT

Order before 9PM for same day delivery within Nairobi. Next day delivery for orders outside Nairobi

Unlike heavily oaked Chardonnay from warmer climates, which can feel broad and flabby, the Heytesbury maintains acidity and mineral drive. Furthermore, the 35% new oak — rather than the 50–100% used by many premium producers — keeps the wine’s vineyard character in focus. As a result, the texture is creamy without being heavy, and the finish is saline rather than sweet. For those comparing premium white options in Nairobi, this Margaret River Chardonnay offers a level of site-specificity and restraint that rivals Burgundy at a significantly lower price point.

Tasting Notes
Pale gold with green highlights. The nose is layered and evolving. Initially, white peach, lemon curd and struck flint dominate. The wild yeast signature is immediate. However, with a few minutes in the glass, toasted almond, vanilla pod and a faint dried seaweed note emerge from the French oak and lees contact. Furthermore, preserved lemon, white pepper and a chalky minerality develop over time. On the palate, the wine is full and textural. The entry is creamy its partial malolactic fermentation gives a rounded mouthfeel, before the acidity tightens through the mid-palate. Additionally, the 10 months in French oak leave a trace of toasted hazelnut and baking spice alongside flavours of ripe pear, quince and a hint of ginger. The finish is long and mineral — crushed oyster shell, lemon peel and a faint saline trace that persists for 45 seconds.
What You Need to Know:
What does this Chardonnay taste like compared to the Tom Cullity?
The Heytesbury shares the same vineyard source and winemaking team but receives slightly less new oak and no extended lees ageing. Consequently, it is more approachable in youth — creamier, more immediate, less demanding. The Tom Cullity is built for 10 years; this is built for 5.
Is this too oaky for someone who usually drinks Sauvignon Blanc?
If Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is your reference point, this will feel fuller and more textural. The citrus and minerality are present, but the oak adds cream and spice. It is consequently a step up in weight rather than a radical departure in flavour.
Should I drink this now or cellar it?
It drinks well now at 10–12°C. However, the acidity and lees-derived texture will integrate further through 2027.
What food works best with this Chardonnay?
Pan-roasted sea bass with beurre blanc, butter-poached lobster and roast chicken with tarragon are ideal. The full body and creamy texture suit rich fish and poultry with cream sauces. Additionally, mushroom risotto and aged Gruyère work for vegetarian options.
How does Margaret River Chardonnay differ from Burgundy?
Both are barrel-fermented, cool-climate expressions. However, Margaret River is warmer than Burgundy, giving riper peach and pear alongside the citrus. Burgundy tends to be more mineral and restrained; Margaret River offers more immediate generosity. The Heytesbury sits between the two styles.
Does the screwcap affect how this wine ages?
No. Screwcap eliminates cork taint and ensures consistent ageing. For a wine intended for consumption within 5 years, it is the more reliable closure. The gradual micro-oxygenation of cork is unnecessary at this ageing horizon.
What should I do if this bottle is out of stock?
Our customer service team can help you find a suitable alternative or source the product where possible. Reach out before your event.
How fast can I get this Chardonnay delivered in Nairobi?
Nairobi orders placed before 9 PM qualify for same-day delivery, typically completed within a 1-hour window. Free delivery applies to orders above KES 3,000 within Nairobi. Orders outside Nairobi are delivered nationwide across Kenya within 24 to 48 hours.
Vintage: Varieties:

Description

A barrel-fermented Chardonnay from the estate that pioneered Margaret River, now available in Nairobi, Kenya. The 2023 vintage delivers texture and citrus precision through wild yeast and 10 months in French oak.

The 35% new French oak adds spice and structure, while the remaining 65% seasoned barrels keep the vineyard character in focus. The critical response has been strong. The Heytesbury Chardonnay consistently scores above 93 points from James Halliday Wine Companion. Moreover, Vasse Felix was ranked the No. 1 winery in Australia by the Halliday Wine Companion in 2025. For buyers in Kenya seeking a food-friendly, barrel-fermented white with genuine estate pedigree, this is the most distinctive Chardonnay currently available at The Wine Box Kenya.
Product Facts
Vintage: 2023
Producer: Vasse Felix
Country: Australia
Region: Margaret River
Vineyard: Vasse Felix Home Vineyard — original plantings by Dr Thomas Cullity, 1967
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Style: Full bodied, oaked, textural
ABV: 13.5%
Production Method: Hand-harvested; whole-bunch pressed; wild yeast fermentation; 10 months in French oak, 35% new barrels; partial malolactic fermentation; lees stirred monthly
Closure: Screwcap
Accolades
Consistently 93+ points from James Halliday Wine Companion
About The Winery
Dr Thomas Cullity planted the first commercial vines in Margaret River at Wilyabrup in 1967. His estate was subsequently acquired by the Holmes à Court family in 1987. Virginia Willcock joined as chief winemaker in 2006, following experience at Moss Wood, Leeuwin Estate and in Burgundy. The Home Vineyard, still on its original 1967 site 4 kilometres from the Indian Ocean, contains Australia’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines. It supplies fruit for the Tom Cullity, Heytesbury and Filius ranges. For buyers in Kenya, Vasse Felix represents one of the most awarded and documented producer pedigrees in Australian wine — a name that carries weight from Perth to Nairobi.
Free Delivery

We provide FREE DELIVERY for orders above Kshs. 3,000 within Nairobi. Orders outside of Nairobi will attract delivery charges, which will be calculated based on the cart size and your location. Orders outside of Nairobi are delivered through a logistics partner Fargo Courier.

Delivery Countrywide

We deliver anywhere* in Kenya and Orders outside of Nairobi will attract delivery charges, which will be calculated based on the cart size and your location. Orders outside of Nairobi are delivered through a logistics partner Fargo Courier.

*Please note that conditions apply to deliveries to Lamu and some coastal regions.

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