Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay 2021
- 92
- $30
- Drink by: 2023-2029
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From Margaret River, half from the Wallcliffe sub-region and the rest from a mix of other sub-regions, the grapes here are entirely the famous gin-gin clone. Wild yeast fermentation followed by nine months oak maturation. The colour is a gleaming yellow. Stonefruit notes with apricot kernels, peaches and a minerally undertow are lifted by hints of grilled cashews. This has balance and persistence with good acidity and plenty of intensity on the finish. A class act to drink now and for the next four to six years.
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.
