‘Filius’ translates to ‘son of’ in Latin, reflecting the relationship between this wine and its premier ‘father’: the Heytesbury.

Filius Chardonnay fruit tends to be lighter in body and fruit weight, from multiple clones and sites that produce elegant, lighter fruit flavours. They are best handled with judicious oak producing a perfectly balanced, complex, fine Chardonnay with a clean bright palate. It is the style of fruit from these patches of the vineyard that makes the finesse of this wine harmonious and unique.

The 2018 vintage experienced cooler than average conditions. Spring and early Summer delivered intermittent cool then moderate weeks before a run of below average temperatures in January and February. Late January rain led to a fear of disease, however a beautiful period of ripening followed with ample sunshine and strong daily sea breezes preserved vibrant fruit flavours and acidity. The white varieties ripened with ideal sugar levels and high malic acid content for the third year running, resulting in a desire to allow some natural malolactic ferment in Chardonnays.

This is a great value wine from this most iconic of Aussie producers.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Bright pale straw colour.

Nose: An open fragrant perfume reminiscent of apple pie, delicate spice and milk arrowroot biscuits. Perfectly ripe notes of lemon, peach and mango mingle with light pear and a hint of white pepper.

Palate: Fleshy softness, fruit sweetness and full body tempered by a beautiful fresh acid crunch toward the finish. Almost a mango-like texture with a tangy twist, fused with slightly under-cooked pie crust.