2023 Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay, Margaret River

A pretty tidy and tasty wine showing exuberance of youth – with racy acidity and upfront citrus flavours. There’s a slip of texture, galangal and woodsy spices. It's ultra-refreshing, has some depth, and will garner more complexity in time. But why wait? Good to pour now.

92 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay from Margaret River is a vibrant, textural white that brings the finesse and energy of this world-class region into a fresh, modern frame. It’s crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail as Xanadu’s flagship Chardonnays but designed to be more approachable in style and perfect for early enjoyment. Bright, mineral-driven, and layered with fruit purity, this is Margaret River Chardonnay made to sing from the first pour.

Fruit is sourced from vineyards across the southern, cooler reaches of the region—particularly Karridale and Wallcliffe—where the maritime climate and gravelly loam soils yield Chardonnay with tension and aromatic lift. Under the direction of award-winning winemaker Glenn Goodall, the wine is wild fermented in French oak barrels (mostly older) with partial malolactic fermentation and extended lees contact to build mid-palate texture without sacrificing precision.

In the glass, it bursts with aromas of white nectarine, grapefruit, citrus blossom and a hint of cashew. The palate is fresh and focused, with juicy stone fruit, crisp acidity, and gentle creamy notes that glide into a clean, mineral-laced finish. There’s just enough oak to frame the fruit, not dominate it.

Ideal with seafood, roast chicken, or creamy polenta with mushrooms, Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay is a brilliant expression of the region’s hallmark variety—refined, drinkable, and great value.