Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Trophy – Best Wine of Show
Trophy – Best Margaret River Wine
97 Points
James Halliday Cabernet Challenge 2020

The 2020 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge saw 364 wine exhibits from 29 wine regions judged simultaneously from 7th to 9th September in Coonawarra and Margaret River.

In what is believed to be a world first coordinated by three wine regions, the judging panels, stewards and organising teams connected through Zoom, Skype, telephone, social media and the AWRI wine show judging software, to make the show run smoothly.

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.

Fruit was crushed/destemmed before predominantly small batch fermentation in a combination of static and open fermenters (20% of the components were cold macerated for 3-4 days). Fermentation takes 7-8 days at 24 – 26°C, during which the cap is managed using a combination of aerative pumping over as well as regular plunging by hand. After fermentation 40% of the components experienced a period of extended maceration on skins before a very gentle pressing.

MLF takes place in a combination of tank and barrel. The wine was matured for 14 months in French oak (40% new barriques) before the blend was assembled, and returned to older French barriques for a further 2 months maturation prior to bottling. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Petit Verdot 3% Malbec

Deep red with purple hues. Dark fruits of the forest, black plums and cassis with hints of dried herbs,  cinnamon and spice. On the palate full-bodied yet refined, the plush palate offers a core of inky berry fruits; blackcurrants, Satsuma plums and graphite, all framed by subtle cedar/spicy oak characters. This dense wine is well structured, with a taut acid backbone layered with dark fleshy fruit characteristics, ripe tannins and a lingering fruit finish.

Vibrant and robust in its youth, this is a wine which will certainly benefit  from further bottle maturation and will cellar comfortably for 5-10 years.