2023 Xanadu Chardonnay, Margaret River

Wow, this is a mighty good wine for $40. There is real class here from whichever way you look at it. The aromas are a minerally sea spray and light citrus experience that are so engaging. The energy and bright chalky acidity is a feature which is a result of no malolactic fermentation. But the texture has been built in with regular lees stirring. It results in a pure and so precise linear palate feel with a lift and energy through to the finish

95 points rayjordanwine.com.au

It’s nervy, energising and still finding its groove. It pulses, with vibrant acidity taking the lead over everything, although there’s still lemon and grapefruit flavours, spicy oak and superfine gossamer-like nutty lees. In another year, this will be more compelling.

94 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Xanadu Chardonnay from Margaret River is a consistently outstanding example of modern Australian Chardonnay—refined, textural, and deeply expressive of place. Crafted with precision and a deep respect for Margaret River’s maritime climate and exceptional Chardonnay pedigree, this wine balances purity of fruit with flinty minerality and subtle oak integration, making it one of the best value premium Chardonnays in the country.

Xanadu was established in the 1970s and has become a cornerstone of the Margaret River wine scene, with Glenn Goodall at the helm as chief winemaker for over two decades. His approach combines meticulous vineyard selection, minimal intervention, and a focus on capturing site expression. The fruit is sourced from mature vines in the cooler subregions of Margaret River, including Wallcliffe and Wilyabrup, where gravelly loam soils and ocean breezes create ideal conditions for Chardonnay with concentration and drive.

The wine is whole-bunch pressed and wild fermented in French oak barriques (a portion new), followed by lees stirring and partial malolactic fermentation. This brings a fine texture and layered complexity without overshadowing the wine’s inherent freshness.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of white nectarine, grapefruit pith, cashew, and struck flint. The palate is taut and silky, with citrus and stone fruit wrapped in subtle oak spice, and a long, mineral-laced finish. It’s sophisticated and energetic, with the structure to age but the balance to enjoy young.

Xanadu Chardonnay pairs effortlessly with seafood, roasted poultry, or creamy pasta dishes. It’s a benchmark Margaret River white—precise, pure, and immensely satisfying.