Xanadu DJL Chardonnay 2020

The 2020 vintage was characterised by warm conditions that concentrated flavours and enhanced structure across Margaret River wines. This particular season created wines with exceptional focus and intensity, allowing Xanadu's restrained winemaking approach to showcase the natural concentration. The result is a Chardonnay that balances power with elegance, demonstrating how vintage conditions can elevate a wine's complexity and longevity.

Margaret River's unique maritime climate and ancient soils create ideal conditions for premium Chardonnay production. The region's consistent temperatures and ocean influence help maintain natural acidity while allowing full flavour development. This terroir contributes to the wine's distinctive stone fruit profile and creamy texture, while the region's reputation for structured whites is evident in the wine's long, persistent finish.

This wine's creamy texture and complex fruit profile make it excellent with rich seafood dishes like lobster thermidor or pan-seared scallops. The stone fruit and citrus notes complement roasted chicken with herbs, while the wine's structure can handle creamy pasta dishes or aged cheeses. The nougat undertones also pair beautifully with dishes featuring almonds or hazelnuts.

Restrained winemaking refers to minimal intervention techniques that allow the grape's natural characteristics to shine through. This approach typically involves careful oak management, controlled fermentation temperatures, and judicious use of malolactic fermentation. The result is a wine that showcases pure fruit expression rather than heavy-handed winemaking, creating the sleek, focused style that defines this particular Chardonnay.

With its concentrated structure from the 2020 vintage and full-bodied style, this Chardonnay has excellent cellaring potential of 5-8 years. Over time, the bright stone fruit flavours will integrate further with the subtle nougat notes, developing more complex honeyed and nutty characteristics. The wine's natural acidity will help maintain freshness while allowing the creamy texture to evolve into something even more sophisticated.