Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2022 (1pk)

This Reserve Chardonnay is crafted exclusively from low-yielding Gingin-clone vines from Xanadu's original Lagan Estate block, which produces more concentrated fruit than standard plantings. The wild fermentation and nine months on lees without malolactic fermentation preserves natural acidity while building complexity. This traditional approach creates a wine with exceptional mineral tension and ageing potential that sets it apart from more commercial styles.

With its outstanding critical acclaim (including 98 points from Ray Jordan) and structured profile, this Reserve Chardonnay is built for long-term cellaring. The natural acidity, mineral backbone, and quality French oak integration suggest it will develop beautifully over 8-12 years. While delicious now, the wine's serious length and drive indicate it will reward patient collectors with increased complexity and tertiary flavours.

The wine's powerful yet poised character makes it ideal for rich seafood dishes like lobster thermidor or pan-seared scallops with cauliflower puree. The toasted oak and mineral core complement roasted chicken with herbs, while the citrus and stone fruit notes pair beautifully with creamy pasta dishes or aged hard cheeses. The wine's structure can handle dishes with substantial sauces without being overwhelmed.

Skipping malolactic fermentation preserves the wine's natural malic acid, maintaining the crisp, mineral-driven tension that defines this style. This technique keeps the citrus brightness and flinty character intact, preventing the buttery, creamy texture that malolactic conversion typically creates. The result is a more precise, age-worthy Chardonnay that showcases the terroir's natural acidity and the fruit's inherent character.

Gingin-clone refers to a specific Chardonnay clone originally planted in Western Australia's Gingin region, known for producing lower yields but higher quality fruit with distinctive characteristics. These heritage vines typically develop more concentrated flavours and better natural acidity than newer, high-yielding clones. The use of this clone in Xanadu's original vineyard block contributes to the wine's exceptional depth, complexity, and ability to express the Margaret River terroir authentically.