Over the years the quality and consistency of Xanadu has gone from strength to strength, under the watchful eye and steady guidance of the uber talented Glenn Goodall and Brendan Carr. The wines have become comfortable regulars in receipt of the highest rankings in shows across the country, cementing their place as one of Margaret River’s finest producers.
Reserve Chardonnay 2019
The reserve wines represent the best possible expression of the vintage with the fruit for this wine coming from the revered Lagan Estate Vineyard, named after the founder of Xanadu, Dr John Lagan.
Beautifully poised aromatics show citrus and high tones fruits, minerals and wet stone. The palate has rainwater fresh acidity and is intensely citrus driven – pure, taut and linear. There is a floral/sea spray character and excellent concentration. Oak has been managed by a deft hand and gently supports. All in all an admiral expression of chardonnay that most definitely speaks of place, skilled winemaking and most importantly excellent fruit.
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The 2018 Reserve Cabernet excelled on the show circuit, taking out Wine of Show at the Margaret River Wine Show in 2020 – an excellent accomplishment considering the strength of cabernet sauvignon in the 2018 vintage.
Oh my. Just incredibly beguiling from the start – black olive, thyme, cassis and dark chocolate leaping out of the glass. Insane concentration of flavour here – densely packed with rich mulberry fruits and buoyed by silky fine-grained tannins. I love the distinct southern Margaret River feel of this wine – it’s ripe yet refreshing with beautiful pitch and tone. Harmonious and charming – I can’t say enough great things about this cabernet, it is just so appealing. Buy some immediately.
The Stevens Road wines are single vineyard wines that come from the very best rows, from the very best blocks on the property – considered to be the ‘Grand Cru’ vineyards by the winemaking team. These wines are in their 11th(chardonnay) & 10th (cabernet) vintages and offer a unique expression of site and vintage.
Stevens Road Chardonnay 2019
Restrained and elegant with grapefruit, brioche and delicate salinity. Opens up in the glass beautifully to reveal white florals, gun flint and cheese rind characters. The palate is compact and focused – there is a weight of core fruit that embraces the classy oak and leaves one wanting another look. Bright, refreshing acidity – evident of the slightly cooler 2019 vintage, yet there is power and density here. Impressive stuff – it will only get better with time and reward the drinker accordingly.
Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Ripe dark fruit compote with a hint of florals and fine oak on the nose. A commanding structure, plenty of plush generosity and a powerful, persistent drive that speaks of pedigree combined with an excellent vintage. The concentrated fruit coils seductively around sinewy tannins and takes the drinker on a rollercoaster of exceptional cabernet complexities – there is plenty to think about and absorb here; it’s a showy, expressive and polished wine. Barbequed high grade wagyu beef would be a welcome addition on the table. Throw in a few roast potatoes and some special mustard and feel smug, happy and spoilt.
