Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2024

There’s something about this wine that makes me want to sit people down and lecture them intensely about Margaret River Chardonnay. Jasmine, lime sorbet and grapefruit: it is exotic, comforting and smart, all at once. In the mouth, there is yuzu, orange pith, nectarine, scraped vanilla bean and sticky preserved grapefruit. It is powerful and regional; balanced, concentrated, mineral and deeply textural. It settles into every corner and crevice of the mouth, with lees work building texture and leaving a deep sense of satisfaction. Despite coming from a warm year, it is framed by a forceful, salty acid drive. I watched it over two days, and it only improved with air. After decanting, drink the first glass without food and give its complexities a salute in private. Then bring out the turkey, cranberry jelly, joyful salads and enjoy yourself. 

Cyndal Petty

Wine Critic at Winepilot

A hopeless romantic for wine and food, Cyndal is nearing 15 years in hospitality while still (just) under 30. A Chef-turned-Sommelier and award-winning wine professional, Cyndal recently left a Group Sommelier role where she curated seven wine lists across multiple venues and led the wine team to Gourmet Traveller Wine Bar of the Year—just months after opening. Now freelance, Cyndal is a wine consultant, event host, wine judge, and wine writer. Passionate about sharing wine’s story with the world, she brings a fresh voice and creative solutions to the industry. After studying and traveling through most of her 20s, she’s now based in WA’s southwest, proudly embracing her role as a WA coastal cowgirl.

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