Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2019

98 Points Ray Jordan

Situated only four kilometres from the town centre of Margaret River and an equal distance from the magnificent coastline, Xanadu is a true pioneer of the region with a long history of producing wines with distinct character that embody all that is the Margaret River.

The Reserve range continues to be the best of what we are able to produce in a given vintage. 100% of the fruit for this Reserve Chardonnay is from our oldest Chardonnay vineyard, the Lagan Estate. The low yielding vineyard produces bunches with characteristic ‘hen and chicken’ architecture typical of the Gingin clone. We encourage natural fermentation on fruit from this vineyard to further emphasize the personality of this wonderful site which is directly adjacent to the winery.

All of the fruit was hand-picked and whole bunch pressed followed by 100%-barrel fermentation in select French oak (approx. 20% new oak). Fermentation was allowed to occur naturally, with the wild yeasts responsible for the fermentation introducing more complexity and personality into the wine. Barrels were lees stirred throughout a nine-month oak maturation period, without any malolactic fermentation. Only the best barrels were selected for the final blend which was put together in November 2019.

“The basis of this memorable chardonnay is the best batches of fruit from the original Lagan Estate vineyard. Power and poise are captured expertly with clever winemaking. The cooler vintage has certainly influenced the structure and intensity, with a more subtle understated expression. Yet as the wine begins its journey along the palate it starts to release its payload. Impeccably balanced with cashew, butterscotch brittle, and roasted cashew flavours faintly evident. Complex with a minerally lingering finish.” – 98 Points Ray Jordan