Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

90% Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts Petit Verdot and Malbec. 14 months in 40% new and 60% seasoned oak. Wonderfully elegant from the outset, with warm gravel, graphite and sweet biscuit-like cedar quickly filled out by black olive, cassis and blood plum. Bay leaf emerges with air, and a beautiful nori-like salinity adds intrigue and savoury complexity while firmly stamping the wine’s provenance. The palate is at once svelte and velveteen yet inky in its intensity, carrying the elegant thread while remaining brilliantly powerful. Blackcurrant, graphite, fine cedar, mocha, earth — a funnel of tight-grained tannins pulling it linear alongside black-fruited acidity. The length is excellent. Xanadu continues to fly the flag for Cabernet of beauty and grace. A brilliant release at a frankly outrageous price.