Xanadu Chardonnay 'Circa 77' 2021

Xanadu Circa 77 Chardonnay

Previously Xanadu Exmoor Chardonnay, the bouquet of this fresh, fruit-driven Chardonnay displays honeydew melon, pear, and citrus characters with underlying hints of loquats and hay. Oak is merely a bystander, yet its subtle influence adds another layer to the fruit aromas. The palate is medium bodied offering gala apples and stone fruits with a delicate creamy texture derived from lees stirring. A bright refreshing wine; crisp and dry, with a lingering fruit finish.

All components (the majority being Gingin clone Chardonnay) were pressed without crushing, retaining relatively high solids in the juice after settling overnight. 65% of the blend was fermented in seasoned French oak barriques (only 5% new oak in final blend), the remaining 35% of the blend was fermented in tank using an aromatic yeast strain. Wild fermentation was encouraged on barrel fermented components, in order to introduce complexity and personality into the wine. All of the individual barrel fermented 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.

Situated only four kilometres from the town centre of Margaret River and an equal distance from the magnificent coastline, Xanadu is a true pioneer of the region with a long history of producing wines with distinct character that embody all that is the Margaret River.

Xanadu was established by Dr John Lagan, an Irishman, who arrived in Margaret River in 1968 and was inspired by the pioneering spirit of the region. At the time, the potential of Margaret River as one of the world’s finest wine-producing regions was only just being considered. So less than a decade on, Dr Lagan with his wife Eithne established one of the region’s earlier vineyards, planting his first vines in 1977.

Lovers of literature will remember Xanadu as Samuel Coleridge’s mysterious, idyllic, exotic city; home of Kubla Khan. Dr Lagan, himself a great literature enthusiast, drew parallels between Coleridge’s visions of utopia and his newly adopted home, and thus the name Xanadu was born.

True to its poetic namesake, Xanadu is in an idyllic setting where the now 65 hectares of vines on the original estate flourish in the rich, free draining gravel soils of the Margaret River region. In this unique maritime climate enjoys an abundant supply of water and is sheltered by forests of magnificent marri trees.

After their success at Yering Station and Mount Langi Ghiran, the Rathbone family looked to expand into Margaret River. Recognising Margaret River as one of the great regions of Australia, and in particular Darren Rathbone’s love for Cabernet Sauvignon was the original reason for them exploring this region. The potential of Xanadu was recognized as having the combination of great viticulture, great wine making facilities and great tourism facilities. In 2005 the Rathbone family purchased Xanadu Wines.

Xanadu Circa 77 Chardonnay - Hay Wines