2023 Reserve Chardonnay

The two premium Chardonnays at Xanadu, the Reserve and the Stevens, are distinct both in expression and makeup. While the single-vineyard Steven's Road Chardonnay is often the finer of the two, the Reserve exhibits more pronounced oak, and it's a more powerful rendition. Philosophically, the latter is a blend of vineyards, although it often comes from just the Lagan Vineyard, next to the winery/cellar door. As to my preferred wine, it depends on the vintage conditions as to which takes my fancy each year. This 2023 Reserve Chardonnay hails from the most magnificent 2023 season, which was mild, long and dry. The fruit power here is undeniable. Every aspect of this wine is ratcheted up to 11: acidity, fruit power, volume, length ... the full kit and caboodle. It's a sleeping giant. The wine will mostly be consumed in its youth, but the act of so doing robs the wine of its future potential, which is a shame. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. I'm going long on the 2023 vintage in Western Australia; it was astoundingly good through the lens of every region and variety that I have tasted so far.