Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Xanadu is a true pioneer of the Margaret River region producing fresh and vibrant coastal wines. The estate was established by Dr John Lagan, an Irishman, who arrived in Margaret River in 1968. Captivated by the pioneering spirit of the region, along with his wife Eithne, he planted his first vines in 1977. Inspired by the beauty of the setting, they named the property after the mysterious, idyllic paradise in Samuel Coleridge’s poem, Kubla Khan: Xanadu. True to its poetic namesake, Xanadu is in an idyllic setting, where 65 hectares of vines flourish on the original estate. Passionate and dedicated winemaker Glenn Goodall joined in 1999, combining intuitive winemaking, and a deep respect for the sustainably cultivated vineyard- which is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia- he produces world-class wines of distinction. Glenn was awarded Halliday’s ‘Best Winemaker of the Year Australia 2023’ and in 2018 Xanadu won the Jimmy Watson memorial trophy.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Cabernet Sauvignon and a little portion of Petit Verdot from the Timber Creek Vineyard in Wilyabrup, which make up 50% of the blend along with 45% of fruit from the dry grown Victory Point vineyard, in the Treeton subregion. The remaining 5% is Malbec from the estate Stevens Road vineyard in the Wallcliffe subregion. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the renowned Houghton clone which provides a balance of fruit-driven flavours, impeccable structure and fine tannins. The deep and ancient granite soils have an abundance of ironstone gravel. These free-draining soils have low water and nutrient holding capacities, providing the optimum growing conditions to achieve balance between foliage and fruit, and deliver superb aroma and flavour intensity. The Indian and Southern Oceans meet here, engulfing the vineyards with fresh, sea breezes, promoting natural balance. The vineyard is managed sustainably with cover crops, biodiversity promotion and weed management from sheep grazing.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were crushed and destemmed before mostly small batch fermentation took place at 24 to 26 °C in static and open fermenters, lasting seven to eight days. The cap was submerged using pumping over and regular hand plunging. Post fermentation, the Timber Creek Cabernet fruit (45%) underwent extended skin maceration, before being gently pressed. Malolactic conversion took place in a combination of tank and barrel. The wine was matured for 14 months in French oak (40% new).

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Quintessential Margaret River Cabernet, with perfumed black fruit aromas and a generous, velvety palate packed with irresistible dark forest fruit and chocolate characters.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Malbec 5%, Petit Verdot 5%.