In Xanadu did Irishman...
I reckon I could on
and write a few lines of doggerel but in respect to the late John Lagan, I’ll
put a halt to it now. Let’s get to the wine.
Xanadu,
Margaret River, Chardonnay 2008, 14% abv, €20.00 Bubble Brothers.
Must say I like this
wine and its story, a story that began with the arrival of Irish medical
doctors, John and Eithne Lagan, in Australia. Some time later, in the late
1970s, they set up the Xanadu vineyard in the Margaret River area of Western
Australia. You may read more, much more, of the Lagans and their children here.
The early years were tough but
decades of success followed for the Lagans. Nowadays, Xanadu is owned by the Rathbone family who are very
strong on environmental protection and sustainability in their wine-making.
They make excellent wines here and this Chardonnay got 91 points from James
Halliday.
They also produce a “second” wine
at Xanadu under the Next of Kin Label. Bubble Brothers also sell this and, in
the recent past, I have been very happy with their Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and
the Cabernet Sauvignon. These are priced at about five or six euro less than
the top label.
The Chardonnay has a great nose, bright
and citrus-sy. In a flavoursome mouthful, the citrus leads the way with other
exotic fruits figuring strongly in the mix. Close to creamy, it is really well balanced
with a persistent fruity finish. All in all an excellent Chardonnay and yet
another winner from a terrific wine area. Highly recommended.
