Xanadu Chardonnay 2022
- 94
- $40
- Drink by: 2023-2031
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Most of the fruit for this fine Margaret River Chardonnay, all from the gin-gin clone, is from the Wallcliffe sub-region. Whole bunch pressing before barrel fermentation in French oak barriques (25%) and nine months oak maturation. This is an attractive and classy Chardonnay. Pale green/gold hue with citrus notes, spices and a wet slate backing. Hints of the tropicals, though at all times, while remaining refined and elegant while oatmeal characters emerge on the palate. There is great length here and fine balance to enjoy it any time from now for the next eight years. A cracker.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
