2024 Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay, Margaret River

Delicate and refined, giving aromas of nectarines, flint, lemon peel, sliced pears and grapefruit. The palate is tightly wound with vibrant acidity and generous underlying tension. No malolactic conversion. 100% Gingin clone. Mineral, precise and mouthwatering. Wild-yeast fermentation in 25% new oak. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

92 points jamessuckling.com

Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay from Margaret River is one of the region’s great value treasures, offering a surprisingly refined expression of coastal Chardonnay at a friendlier price than many of its celebrated neighbours. Fruit is sourced from a selection of vineyards across the cooler southern parts of Margaret River, where ocean breezes, gravelly loam soils and long ripening seasons build purity, bright acidity and beautifully balanced flavour. Winemaker Glenn Goodall approaches the Vinework range with the same thoughtful touch he applies to Xanadu’s flagship wines: hand picking, gentle pressing, wild fermentation in a mix of stainless steel and French oak, and a careful lees program to create texture without losing freshness.

Aromas brim with white peach, nectarine and citrus zest, wrapped in blossom, pear skin and a subtle struck flint nuance. There is a lovely coastal clarity to the bouquet, with hints of wet stone and sea spray sitting beneath the fruit. Time in the glass draws out nougat, almond meal and gentle spice from refined oak use.

The palate is bright, silky and quietly layered. Stone fruit and grapefruit move through a beautifully balanced line of acidity, giving the wine lift and precision. Lees work adds a soft creaminess without heaviness, letting flavours of peach, lemon curd, melon and light vanilla flow into a long, refreshing finish with a clean mineral tail. It drinks confidently now but will gain extra savoury complexity over the next three to four years.

A versatile companion for chicken with herbs, seafood risotto, miso glazed fish, vegetable tarts, creamy pasta, cheeses or weekend lunches with friends. Vinework delivers sophistication well beyond its price point, making it one of the standout value Chardonnay releases in Margaret River.