Xanadu

Reserve Chardonnay

• 

  Vintage 2021
  98 points

This was a vintage with some challenges largely as a result of rain and resulting humidity. It meant the vignerons were busy getting the fruit to the sorting table in top condition. Thankfully, that has been done and the result is an exceptional wine. After handpicking the fruit is whole bunch pressed and then 100% barrel fermented in oak of which 28% was new. The fermentation occurred naturally with wild yeasts and true to the Goodall style no malolactic fermentation to achieve a high degree of varietal and regional purity. In the end a selection of the best barrels makes it to the final blend. Spicy grapefruit aromas with a little lemon curd. The palate s super intense and linear with a bright chalky acidity pushing it through to a very long finish.

• 

  Vintage 2021
  97 points

It can happen. One taste and, while thinking about some meaningful words to describe this exceptional wine, I’m already transported to my happy place. Forgive me. It took time to come back to earth. By then, I had drained the glass. I hope this is your experience, too. The power and beauty of Margaret River fruit are on full display with all the refinement and detail that comes with it. The palate pulses with energy, there’s texture via lees, and judicious handling of oak and fruit, of course. The tensile yet fine acidity weaves everything together towards a super-long finish.