Accolades and Awards

94 Points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion
"Entirely Gingin clone, whole bunch pressed followed by 100% barrel ferment. No mlf. The lowish alcohol (12.5%) is a pointer towards the style, as is the absence of mlf. This is precise, uncluttered chardonnay despite the winemaking input. The primary flavours are of grapefruit and white peach with subtle cashew and lees texture, the citrus acidity stiletto like."

2013 Vintage: 91 Points - Gary Walsh, Wine Front
"Rich throaty style, yet refined. Cashew cream, lime, pear, a little cedar and spice. Medium bodied, glossy cashew cream feel and flavour, but with sweet lime and citrus acidity keeping it nice and tight. Finish is good – bold and full flavoured. For those seeking full Margaret River flavour, with a little restraint. "

From the Winery

DJL refers to Dr John Lagan whom first planted vineyards at Xanadu in 1977. 70% of the fruit for this blend is Estate grown in the Wallcliffe sub-region from our Lagan Estate and Stevens Road vineyards. The reimaining 30% is from mature vineyards in the cooler Karridale sub-region of Margaret River.

Made entirely from Gin Gin clone Chardonnay which was whole bunch pressed followed by 100% barrel fermentation in select French oak (22% new oak). Wild fermentation was encouraged on all of the components, in order to introduce more 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. The final blend was put together in November 2015.

A relatively mild, warm winter resulted in an early budburst to kick-start the growing season. This was followed by some relatively wild spring weather however with wet, windy conditions affecting fruit set and resulting in low yields across most varieties in the region. Beautiful, warm weather returned in summer which saw flavour ripening accelerate quickly, bringing about our earliest vintage on record. A lack of Marri blossom leading up to and during harvest meant bird pressure was extreme, with netting absolutely vital this season. After the whites were harvested we experienced a minor a rain event at the end of February and cooler conditions ensued.