Xanadu Next of Kin Chardonnay 2011

Description

John and Eithne Lagan planted their first vines in 1977 in what is now considered one of the oldest vineyards in Margaret River.  Xanadu now has a long history of producing wines of distinction, accolades and a reputation as one of the finest wineries in the region. This is Xanadu’s entry level range which we think is testament to its class.   All components (majority being Gin Gin clone Chardonnay) were pressed without crushing, followed by 100% barrel fermentation in predominantly older French oak. Natural fermentation was encouraged on approx. 35% of the blend, in order to introduce complexity and personality into the wine. All of the individual batches which make up the blend were lees stirred throughout a nine-month oak maturation period, without any malolactic fermentation; gaining texture throughout the year.

Stone fruit, green apple with zesty citrus freshness, creamy texture, touch of more-ish well integrated french oak, balanced by lip smacking bright acidity. Hits the spot and looked terrific the next day too!    How do they make this Chardonnay for the price we ask?? Be snappy here…

“Is this the best sub-$20 Margaret River chardonnay?  Yes … it ticks all the boxes like nothing else at this price.”  93 points Tyson Stelzer, 2013

“From one of the West’s high-end producers of this variety, this second-tier range gets a lot of attention. The chardonnay has trickle-downs from declassified stocks that didn’t quite make selection into top-shelf versions. And it all shows, with smart fruit, lovely light to medium-bodied weighting, refreshing, minerally styling all designed to create an easy-on-the-palate, modern triumph. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ‘A cut above'” – Tony Love, taste.com.au.
RRP $21