Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay 2022 Margaret River – 12 Bottles

WINERY INFORMATION: The growing season began with an early budburst after a relatively mild winter with reasonable rainfall. The beautiful spring weather which followed which led to good flowering/fruit set and improved yields for most varieties in the region. Fine, warm weather during summer saw sugar accumulation accelerate quickly in the whites until a significant rain event mid-January stalled the ripening process until the fine weather returned soon after. While the unusual January rain did present some challenges in the vineyard, it was certainly welcomed by the reds which were just beginning veraison. The warm, dry weather throughout February was fantastic, ensuring the whites achieved flavour ripeness and enabling the reds to attain flavour and tannin ripeness at full physiological maturity. TASTING NOTES: Pale straw. The bouquet of this elegant yet powerful Chardonnay offers fresh pears, nectarine, and citrus fruits with underlying hints of nougat, beeswax and Frangipani flowers. The palate is medium-full bodied and tightly coiled, displaying pears, white fleshed stone fruits and zesty lemony/grapefruit flavours. The wine offers a fine boned quartz-like structure complimented by a lovely creamy/marshmallow texture derived from lees stirring. Taut, yet opulent, the intense fruit and bright acidity combine to focus the wine perfectly to a crisp, lingering fruit finish.