Xanadu Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

A plush, dusty and romantic Cabernet from the famous Stevens Road vineyard. Blackcurrants, mulberries, lead pencil and bay leaf are cocooned in savoury characters, many of which, I gather, come from the quality oak. But the spice and timber simply cradle the red, blue and black fruits. Only eight barrels were made, and the blend includes 12% Malbec. In the mouth, it takes a little to unwind, as good Cabernet should at this age, so throw it through a decanter before drinking. The tannins are fine and chocolatey and, like many of the 2023s, it has an effortless glide. The finish echoes the beginning: savoury and moreish, with coffee grounds and bay leaf. I suggest drinking it communally, over a slow lunch with friends. 

Cyndal Petty

Wine Critic at Winepilot

A hopeless romantic for wine and food, Cyndal is nearing 15 years in hospitality while still (just) under 30. A Chef-turned-Sommelier and award-winning wine professional, Cyndal recently left a Group Sommelier role where she curated seven wine lists across multiple venues and led the wine team to Gourmet Traveller Wine Bar of the Year—just months after opening. Now freelance, Cyndal is a wine consultant, event host, wine judge, and wine writer. Passionate about sharing wine’s story with the world, she brings a fresh voice and creative solutions to the industry. After studying and traveling through most of her 20s, she’s now based in WA’s southwest, proudly embracing her role as a WA coastal cowgirl.

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