The 2025 harvest at Xanadu saw nature play both challenger and champion, resulting in beautifully expressive wines of vibrancy and depth.
The 2025 vintage in Margaret River will be remembered for its concentrated yields and outstanding fruit quality. After the early white harvests, a timely rain event refreshed the vineyards and set the stage for the reds, followed by several weeks of fine, warm weather leading into an early and focussed red harvest. Almost 80% of our red crush was harvested in the first week of April before a significant rain event.
Though yields were generally lower than anticipated across the region, there were a few high yielding grower blocks, notably Merlot and Malbec. The vineyard and winery teams were also smaller than usual this year, meaning our team have worked across all areas to help each other out, including the winery and broader Xanadu property team spending some quality time in the vineyards.
Limited Marri blossom this season increased bird pressure, so our vineyard and winery teams worked carefully to protect fruit and maintain quality. The results are already speaking for themselves, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec showing impressive vibrancy, balance and depth. There are some exceptional batches of Chardonnay, while early-picked Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blends display fresh fruit intensity and vibrant acidity.
“The 2025 vintage has produced beautifully balanced wines that really capture the vibrancy of Margaret River. The quality of fruit we’ve seen has been truly outstanding.”
– Glenn Goodall, Senior Winemaker
With a great crew, brought together both by challenges and a shared passion for quality winemaking, vintage 2025 has been one for the books. With vintage complete, attention now turns to barrel maturation and blending.
Early signs from Vintage 2025 suggest an exciting future, with high-quality wines that truly express the unique Margaret River region.
In the weeks leading up to International Women’s Day, we spoke with a few of the wonderful women of Xanadu, shining a spotlight on their stories and the unique value they bring to our team.
Our Xanadu team is made up of an array of brilliant women, from various backgrounds. Below, we feature words from Winemaker Sophie Ward, Alex Miller; Xanadu’s Chief Viticulturist, Caity O’Connor; Xanadu Events Manager, Kristi Kruuser; our Restaurant Manager and Sam Bradley, Xanadu Cellar Door Manager.
It’s all made possible through the dynamic relationship between our place and our people, a balance that brings out the best of both.
Sophie Ward
The thing that really drew me to the wine industry was my love of science, food and travel. With a background in biochemistry, I was drawn to the opportunity to apply my knowledge while also indulging in my passion for tasting, cooking, and craftsmanship. But what really excited me was the chance to travel the world and to explore different wine regions, meet incredible people, and gain hands-on experience in some of the most exciting wineries in the world.
Landing a role at Xanadu has been one of my proudest achievements. I’ve always loved the wines and Xanadu has a great reputation for producing quality wines. Just being in the mix was exciting, so securing the job was a moment of real pride.
Working in winery production means that no two days are the same. There’s a natural rhythm to the year, from harvest and vintage, to blending, maturation and then bottling. Each phase brings new challenges and rewards. One of the things I love most is tasting fruit on the vine, watching it develop in barrel, and finally seeing it bottled and enjoyed. That journey, from vineyard to glass, is deeply satisfying.
I also feel incredibly lucky to work alongside Glenn Goodall, who has such a wealth of knowledge. Learning from him and from the team every day is a privilege. You can never stop learning in this industry, and that’s what keeps it so exciting.
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was during my Master’s research project. I had the choice between coursework or research, and I took the tougher path in research, which led to an incredible opportunity with Pernod Ricard in Cognac. It was a lot of work, but it paid off. It reinforced the importance of pushing myself and seizing every opportunity.
That same mindset applies in winemaking. If I had one piece of advice for anyone thinking about entering the industry, it would be to back yourself. There are a lot of loud voices, but if you have the experience and knowledge, don’t be afraid to speak up and contribute.
One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is declining wine consumption, but I believe the way forward is through producing better quality wines that people truly want to drink. The work we do now will shape the future of the industry, and I’m excited to see how my role continues to evolve here at Xanadu.
Each vintage brings something different—a fresh team, new challenges, and the constant pursuit of improvement. I’ve been fortunate to taste and learn from some incredibly talented women, with exceptional palates and the ability to communicate about wine in a way that truly resonates. Their expertise continues to inspire me.
At the end of the day, what keeps me coming back is the passion and energy of this industry. Seeing a raw Cabernet in oak, watching it mature over time, and then finally experiencing the joy it brings to those who drink it. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Alex Miller
I’d love to say that pursuing a career in wine was a ‘come to Jesus’ moment, but it was a simple love of science, plants and a couple of wine drinking parents who steered my interest in the right direction. My passion for wine probably began during university when we learned more about the process of winemaking and realised, we could ferment a whole raft of things…including cans of tropical juice. We were a young mob, bitten by the science bug!
Since then, the seasonal nature of the work is one of the things that I find the most joy in day-to-day; Observing the land and nurturing the vines, as they change over time, is such a joy. It can be a real rollercoaster, but when you reach the end of the season and the vines you’re tending to produce phenomenal fruit, it feels pretty good. Vintage is the most exciting (and relieving) time of year. It’s the time of reward, for all your hard work, and afterwards you put the vineyard to bed for a couple of months. And take a deep breath.
I also find it rewarding, how many opportunities there are to band together with great people to create something which lives on into the future. We get to capture a season and put it in a bottle. Then we learn from that season, modify the parts that didn’t work and try it all over again. There are never two seasons the same and never a dull moment. Every year is a fresh start, with all new challenges.
I’m new to Xanadu but already I’ve had the thrill of planting a new vineyard. It is a mark in time for the property and nurturing a young vineyard, with the hopes it will become our new sparkling wine vineyard, is exciting. It’s about the camaraderie felt in the company of women in the industry, especially in production. There is room for improvement in the gender equity of the wine industry, so it’s refreshing working for Xanadu and the wider Rathbone Group, where there are great women helping drive the company, and inspiring one another.
Of all of my experiences in wine, my favourite wine-related moment would have to be our wedding; my husband is also in the wine game, so it was a focus of our celebration; Champagne, iconic Margaret River Chardonnays, Barolos and Burgs were flowing!
If I were to give advice to anyone interested in joining the wine industry, it would be to have patience. There isn’t much instant gratification involved in Viticulture. The slight tweaks that you make to the land, or a vine canopy, or even a newly established vineyard can take years to show up in the wines you see in the market. You really have to think long term with your decision making and be patient.
Sam Bradley
Wine has always been a part of my life. Growing up in the UK, I was surrounded by it—my father was a wine merchant, and he spoke about it with such enthusiasm that his passion became my own. My first wine tasting at a Swan Valley cellar door was the moment that truly hooked me. That experience ignited my lifelong love for wine, and when I made the move to Margaret River, stepping into the industry felt like a natural transition. With so many transferable skills, I quickly found my place—it feels like home.
There is nothing better than witnessing the joy that great wine brings to people. I love educating guests, helping them connect with Xanadu, and fostering real brand loyalty. Seeing familiar faces return time and again, and knowing that I’ve played a part in creating memorable experiences, is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
One of my most unforgettable moments happened while hosting a couple for a pre-lunch tasting. They arrived early, so I took my time showcasing our wines, sharing recommendations, and giving them an in-depth experience. After lunch, they returned to join our wine club, calling it the best experience they’d ever had. The next day, they came back to tell me they had gotten engaged that night—and that their visit to Xanadu had completely transformed their day. Knowing that something as simple as a wine tasting could make such a profound impact is why I love what I do.
The community and relationships in the wine industry are incredibly special. From our local growers and industry peers to customers who come back year after year, these connections mean everything. One of my proudest moments was being nominated for and winning the Cellar Door and Tourism Excellence Trophy at the 2024 Margaret River Wine Show—a huge honour and recognition of the work I love doing every day.
That same year, I had the privilege of working behind the scenes at the 2024 Margaret River Wine Show, receiving and organising all the wine entries for judging. It was hard work but deeply satisfying, watching the empty judging tables gradually fill with hundreds of bottles, each soon to be tasted, scrutinised, and celebrated. Seeing firsthand how much effort goes into recognising excellence in wine reinforced the significance of what we do.
I am deeply passionate about mentoring my team, ensuring every guest receives an unforgettable experience. Great hospitality is about more than just serving wine—it’s about making real connections, engaging customers, and building brand loyalty. Passion is contagious, and when people feel that authenticity, they come back.
I also feel fortunate to have had incredible women in the industry guide and inspire me. Ely Jarvis, a talented winemaker and champion of sustainability, has been a mentor to me, personally supporting my journey through the 2024 Next Crop Future Leaders Program. Her leadership and knowledge continue to inspire me.
Looking ahead, I am incredibly excited about the future of both Xanadu and the wider industry. Seeing guests enjoy the curated experiences I’ve developed, from tasting flights to museum tastings, is always rewarding—especially when they take the time to write glowing reviews and recommend us to others. But most of all, I look forward to helping shape and future-proof our region. Margaret River has so much potential, and I feel privileged to be part of its story for many years to come.
Kristi Kruuser
When I reflect on the path that led me to Margaret River, I feel incredibly fortunate. This magical wine region was never part of my original plan, but sometimes life has a way of guiding us toward the places we are meant to be. Little moments, unexpected encounters, and passions that grow over time led me here.
My journey with wine began long before Margaret River, back when I was studying art history at university. I had a professor who emphasised the deep connection wine has had with civilisation, culture, and art throughout history. At the time, I was a casual wine drinker, enjoying whatever was available. While I had an appreciation for wine, I lacked real understanding, which would come later when I entered the world of hospitality.
In Europe, the hospitality industry is fast-paced and demanding—14-hour days, six days a week, working with big teams and learning the ropes of a bustling environment. But in that environment, wine became more than just a drink. It became a language of connection, a ritual that brought people together. Eventually, a former boss sent me to wine school, a decision that would forever shape my career.
I’d always dreamed of immersing myself in a true wine region, and so I found my way to Margaret River, where I found the perfect opportunity to grow and learn more about the wine industry.
Hospitality is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about being the host, the cleaner, the psychologist, the waitress, the salesman, and the admin all rolled into one. Each day is different, and that’s part of the excitement! The best days are those quiet Sundays in the off-season, when the restaurant fills with locals—people who know each other, who are at ease, enjoying good food and great wine, and sharing stories. These are the days that make me feel truly lucky.
I am a firm believer in eating and drinking locally. After years of travel, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of local food and wine. Sharing a meal with locals is the best way to understand their culture. One of my most memorable meals was in the Nagorno-Karabakh mountains, where I had lamb wrapped in lavash with local yogurt and herbs. One of my favourite wine memories comes from a small village outside Tuscany, where a humble restaurant owner poured his own wine from a 1-liter jug—simple, authentic, and unforgettable.
At Xanadu, I strive to create an experience that is simple, personal, and relaxed. I believe that great food and wine don’t need to be overcomplicated; they need to be served with heart and authenticity. It’s all about making our guests feel at home and allowing them to experience the true essence of Margaret River.
Caity O’Connor
My introduction to wine started in 2015, backpacking around the Hunter Valley, NSW. Coming from the UK, I was absolutely in awe of the breathtaking vineyard landscapes and loved having a nosy around the cellar doors to find my new favourite drop. My travels soon led me to Margaret River and ultimately, Xanadu, where 3 months of backpacking has turned into a 9 year career that I am so passionate about – as well as a love for Margaret River Chardonnay!
I have found working within the wine industry to be both challenging and rewarding. My role as Events Manager is fun, fast paced and varied. I spend a lot of time keeping my wine and food knowledge up to date. My wine knowledge is constantly evolving and developing, and I am grateful to have learned so much throughout the duration of my career. I know I still have so much to learn, it is definitely a journey – which I tell to all my clients that come through the door wanting to learn more about wine.
There is so much to love about working in events within the wine industry. I get to connect with so many different people – other industry professionals, wine loving couples that want to host a wedding, athletes, all kinds of people from throughout the world.
I absolutely love when we get clients through the door that want to do something a bit different and quirky. It allows me to think outside the box and gets me really excited about their event.
We host a lot of weddings at Xanadu. This is hands down the most rewarding part of my job – watching a just-married couple sipping on a Xanadu Chardonnay, taking in the beautiful setting, drinking fabulous wine and receiving impeccable service with their loved ones. That really is what keeps me coming back to work every day.
My most memorable moment at Xanadu was when I was fresh on the job back in 2016. It was my first event. We were hosting a wine tasting masterclass in our barrel hall, followed by a long lunch with matching new release wines. I was terrified. I remember the event finishing; I was so proud of myself and I knew right then I wanted to pursue a career in events. There is truly no feeling like taking an idea or vision and bringing it to life.
I am a true believer in loving what you do. It keeps me engaged, excited to take on a challenge, keeps me motivated and gives me so much pride in what I am doing. When challenging days happen, I remind myself that these are the days that allow us to grow and develop our skills and resilience.
We are very lucky at Xanadu to have such a diverse team in what is stereotypically, a male dominated industry. I have always felt supported, encouraged and valued throughout my time here, especially within our hospitality department, which boasts 4 female senior managers.
There’s a harmony between our place and our people, a dynamic balance that brings out the best of both. Our women are such an integral part of this dynamic, our property experience and the wines we produce. Join us in raising a glass to the wonderful women of Xanadu!
The 2025 harvest season commenced with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, led by the Undalup Association. This ceremony honoured Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater Country), the ancestral land that encompasses the Margaret River wine region.
This vintage we have experienced perfect growing conditions, generally seeing blue skies and temperatures between 27-30°C. We have seen some exceptional growth in our newest Chardonnay block, block 8. There is very little, if any, Marri blossom growth in the region, which means that birds are showing a lot of interest in the fruit, having now accumulated sugar. As a result, our vineyard team has spent significant time putting out nets over our vines this year.
“Our vintage casuals started in early February for their training and pre-harvest preparation in both the winery and the vineyard. We’re lucky enough to have team members from across the business assisting with vintage as well. Picking commenced with Chardonnay from our Stevens Road vineyard, which will be used to make our sparkling. We have also carefully hand-picked Chardonnay from our Lagan block, which is destined for our Reserve Chardonnay.”
It’s easy to see today what first inspired the creation of Xanadu in 1977. A place radiating with promise and potential. Named for an ancient, otherworldly paradise, the Xanadu of today remains a source of inspiration.
Some places are so filled with life and energy that they draw you in, sometimes in unexpected ways. This is the magnetic pull of Margaret River, where for almost half a century, we’ve crafted wines that bottle the vibrancy of this place, so that no matter where you are, you too can experience the vitality of our region.
Here, there’s a harmony between our place and our people, a dynamic balance that brings out the best of both. And it’s this relationship that creates wines filled with energy. A fluid pulse that connects you directly to what makes this place so special.
Our story
Our process is driven by a deep respect for the land, ensuring that we protect the integrity and potential of our region. Through our sustainability practices, we nurture the land so that it will continue to thrive for generations to come.
With an intentionally minimalist approach to winemaking, we allow the region’s richness to shine through, creating wines that are not only vibrant, but distinctly Margaret River. Because when you make wine here, you want to showcase every part of its beauty. We make sure that the spirit of our region is unmistakable in every bottle… a distinct energy you can feel, and genuine character you can taste.
Our philosophy
IN THE VINEYARDS
At the heart of our viticultural philosophy are our people, our land and our region. The longstanding relationships we’ve forged with our growers, our community, and our customers and our dedication to protecting and showcasing the character of our region, are central to all decisions made in the vineyards.
We’re proud to be certified members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, implementing both modern and conventional viticultural practices to continuously improve our natural environment, ultimately delivering healthier, naturally resilient vines and wines that reflect our unparalleled region.
IN THE WINERY
Our wines are a liquid expression of Margaret River. We craft wines that bottle the vibrancy of this place so that no matter where you are, you too can experience the vitality of our region.
We produce fruit-forward wines where the vineyard’s voice resonates clearly in every glass, and use techniques such as whole bunch pressing, wild fermentation, French oak maturation, and lees stirring to build complexity and balance in our wines.
Our estate
IN THE RESTAURANT
Nestled deep within our estate, our restaurant is an ideal setting to take in the stunning beauty of Margaret River while enjoying the finest flavours of the southwest region, expertly paired with our wines.
Our Chef Andrea Gasparini will take you on a culinary expedition that brings together memories and experiences from his homeland of Italy with the incredible produce and flavours of Margaret River, that pair perfectly with our wines.
IN THE CELLAR DOOR
Amongst lush vineyards lives our Cellar Door, offering a range of tasting options.
Our wine flight style allows you to select from three set options or to simply choose your own selection from our range of wines. Experience our current release wines, along with access to a range of Cellar Door-only wines and exclusive back-vintage museum releases.
Through our wines, we invite everyone to experience the vibrancy, diversity, and quality of our remarkable region.
You may recognise her as the smiling face that greets you when you visit Xanadu, but did you know that last week our brilliant Cellar Door Manager Sam Bradley was awarded the Cellar Door Excellence Award at the Margaret River Wine Show 2024?!
Beyond this accolade, Sam has been selected to participate in Wine Australia’s 2024 Next Crop program, hosted in Margaret River. This program provides a regionally targeted platform to introduce leadership, business and management skills for individuals to build capacity within the community, also acting as a stepping stone to Wine Australia’s Future Leaders, Sam is devoted to her trade, and a passionate wine industry pioneer.
Read on to find out more about Sam, her background, her passion for the wine industry (especially Xanadu), and the excellent work she does at Cellar Door.
Q&A with Sam Bradley
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
A: Born in the UK, I am a dedicated and driven professional with a strong commitment to excellence. I thrive on challenges and approach each task with enthusiasm and determination. My passion for my work is matched by my ability to deliver results efficiently and effectively. I take pride in providing first-class customer service, ensuring that every interaction is positive and impactful. With a proactive mindset and a focus on quality, I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to a dynamic team.
Q: What drew you to make the move from England to Australia, and specifically to Margaret River?
A: 20 years ago this month we had an opportunity to come to Perth for my husband Rick’s 2 year engineering contract and never looked back.
Both working hard on major engineering projects for 16 years we felt a little burnt out, so decided to take a year off and travel, sadly we picked the wrong year because the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we couldn’t go anywhere, fortunately for us we were lucky and managed to get refunds for all our travel bookings, when we were allowed to travel to the South, we came and spent some quality time in Margaret river our favourite place in the world and we had been visiting approx 6 times a year for many years. We decided to have a sea change, a decision which we feel is the best we have ever made.
Q: Were you always interested in wine? Where did your passion for wine begin?
A: My Father was a wine merchant with his father back in the UK, so I grew up around wine, but only truly found my passion for wine since moving to Australia and visiting a vineyard in Swan Valley. Tasting wine in such a romantic setting highlighted to me how location can transform a simple tasting into a memorable experience, whether it’s the charm of the vineyards or the stories behind each bottle.
Q: What drew you to Xanadu?
A: I first visited Xanadu many years ago.
“The driveway through the picturesque setting is magnificent.”
I had always enjoyed Xanadu wines, but I remember on a subsequent visit to the cellar door I tried Graciano for the first time which I loved and everytime we visited the region we would return to purchase more, invariably staying for a leisurely lunch, Xanadu became top of our list to visit.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Xanadu and about your role as Cellar Door Manager?
A: As a Cellar Door Manager, I play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between wine production and the consumer experience.
“My position not only involves the direct presentation of wines but also encompasses team leadership and cross-departmental collaboration.”
Fostering a positive work environment and mentoring my team, to help them develop their skills and knowledge, ensuring they provide exceptional service to guests.
Congratulations on being selected for the Next Crop program
Q: Can you tell us about what the program entails?
A: Thank you, I was honoured to be selected. This professional and personal development program, brought to the region by the Margaret River Wine Association and funded by Wine Australia, is delivering a series of regionally tailored sessions for 15 selected emerging leaders who want to understand their leadership capacity and gain exposure to concepts of leadership. The clear objective is to build confidence and provide a development opportunity that will keep the future generation engaged and committed to the region and their career in the grape and wine sector. Our goal is to future proof Margaret River for the next 50 years +.
Q: How do you hope to use the skills you gain in the program to further develop your role at Xanadu and within the wine industry?
A: By participating in this program, I will not only refine my existing skills but also learn new methods to engage, lead, and contribute effectively. This aligns with my personal goal of supporting the Xanadu team in futureproofing our region. Engaging with the broader wine community through programs such as this can help build a resilient network of leaders dedicated to the industry’s success
Congratulations on winning the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) Wine Tourism Excellence Award
Q: Tell us what this means to you
A: I was humbled to have been nominated and awarded the Cellar Door Excellence award sponsored by Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association. It means so much to me, that my hard work and passion for what I do has been seen and recognised. Although this is a personal award, I couldn’t do what i do without the whole Xanadu Team.
As part of winning I also receive a travel bursary, which I am planning to use to visit Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland wine region.
Q: What’s your favourite Margaret River wine?
A: Very hard to choose, but I would have to say Stevens Road Chardonnay. Modern and refined with a unique personality all of its own!
Q: Outside of wine, what are some hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about?
A: I am a self-confessed foodie and love to dine out in our region, sampling the best of what the region has to offer. Since moving to the country and much to the surprise of my city friends I have made my own vegetable patch and have chickens.
Q: Finally, any advice for people considering a career in the wine industry or for those dreaming of making a big life change?
A: Yes, I would say have a leap of faith and just do it. Find your passion, embrace flexibility and seek fulfillment over financial gain, it is not easy, but very rewarding and I truly believe it is the best decision we ever made.
Be sure to pop into Cellar Door, congratulate Sam, have a chat about our wines, and everything that our beloved Margaret River region has to offer.
Discover our 2025 Halliday Wine Companion results, as reviewed by Jane Faulkner
We are thrilled to present you with our 2025 Halliday Wine Companion results, which were announced last night. We are honoured to be awarded another Top 5-Red Star winery rating, alongside a collection of exceptional scores on our wines, across all of our ranges. Read on to discover our ratings, as reviewed by Jane Faulkner from the Halliday Wine Companion team.
Our Flagship Collection
2022 Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay
“The reserve shines this vintage, coming across all superfine and linear, yet layers upon layers of flavour. Ginger florals, lemon balm and all manner of citrus charm. Ultra-refreshing with a live wire of acidity gathering all the elements and taking them on a joy ride. There’s a millefeuille effect of lees, fruit, oak and spice so this turns out moreish, savoury and complex. But above all, just a great drink.”
2022 Stevens Road Chardonnay
“It has all the hallmarks of the site – Block 2, off Stevens Road, obviously, all Gingin clone, whole-bunch pressed to French oak, wild fermentation. And while there’s lees stirring throughout its nine months in barrel, there’s no mlf. It’s still a little frisky from youth as the acidity holds sway, yet in-between pink grapefruit and lime juice, zest and pith, too. There’s some depth and texture via lees input and the oak, yet all well placed and adding extra dimensions to this enjoyable wine.”
2021 Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon
“Xanadu’s top wines are always polished and poised, and this cabernet is no different. It’s almost pared back, yet beautiful. A neat combo of mulberries and boysenberries, nori and tapenade, bay leaves and fennel – there’s lots of savouriness throughout. As usual, this is medium bodied caressed by superfine tannins, with cleansing acidity ensuring this lingers long.”
The Xanadu Range
2021 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon
“Year in year out this cabernet delivers… It reveals an exuberant fruit profile… offset by complex savoury notes… a flutter of spice, too… I kept coming back to this wine – it unfurled in the glass but also, a few days later, still impressive.”
2023 Xanadu Chardonnay
“It pulses, with vibrant acidity taking the lead over everything, although there’s still lemon and grapefruit flavours, spicy oak and superfine gossamer-like nutty lees.”
Highlights from across the collection
We’re incredibly proud that half of the wines we submitted scored 95 points or more, reinforcing the quality of our current releases. These scores are a reflection of the expertise and passion of our winemaking and viticulture teams, led by Glenn Goodall.
We are pleased to announce that we have once again been recognised in the Top 100 of The Real Review’s Top Wineries Australia, 2024.
The Real Review Top Wineries Certificate is awarded to a select group of wineries that consistently produce excellent wine. The Top Wineries list is a national benchmark that shows where your favourite winery is placed amongst its peers.
Credit to the team that made it all happen, we’re looking forward to comtinuing the legacy for years to come.
We are proud to announce that our Xanadu Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has maintained LANGTONS Classification in their recently published, 8th Edition.
The LANGTONS Classification is the pinnacle of recognition for fine and luxury Australian wineries and producers, it is the go-to guide to Australia’s most highly sought-after wines, reflecting consumer demand, collectability, and prices fetched at auction. To make it into the LANGTONS Classification, each wine must have been released for at least ten vintages and have a strong track record in the secondary market. Our Reserve Cabernet is one of the 100 wines that has been recognised in the 8th edition.
“Being recognised on the LANGTONS Classification is about more than just making great wine. It ensures that those included are considered by critics, collectors and fine wine aficionados alike as at the very top of their game. The Classification is data-led and based on consistency, quality, clearance and tradability in the market. Internationally the Classification offers winemakers and winemaking regions the opportunity to benchmark themselves against the greatest and most traded wines in Australia. A stylistic form guide for what styles and techniques are hot and what names to keep an eye out for.” – Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions and Secondary Market.
Our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was one of 100 wines recognised in the new classification, with trends said to be moving towards elegance and distinction, features our wines provide generously.
The LANGTONS Classification 8th Edition Magazine is filled with stories of the people and the places that make these benchmark Australian wines. LANGTONS spoke highly of our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, describing the winemaking process and tasting notes, as below.
The multi-vineyard Xanadu Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of Houghton Clone sourced from vineyards in the coastal region of Wilyabrup, northern Margaret River and the sub-region of Wallcliffe. Small-batch fermentation and 12 to 14 months maturation in new (40-55%) and seasoned French oak barriques results in a wine with intense blackcurrant and herb garden aromas, superb richness and concentration, and vigorous, fine, chalky tannins. Roughly 5% malbec and 5% petit verdot.
We are honoured to be named as the 44th best winery in the Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries of 2023!
The Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries is a celebration of the best Australian producers right now.
“…this is a list of producers who know, in both their heart and in their head, that consumers don’t owe them a living. This is a list of producers who are prepared to stake their reputation on every single wine they release.” – Campbell Mattinson
Wineries have been carefully selected by chief editor, Campbell Mattinson with a strict selection criterion:
Wineries had to have submitted to the Companion in recent years
Quality, across the current range, had to be as close to guaranteed as possible
High scoring wines in a producer’s current range are of absolute relevance, but so is consistency across the entire range.
Campbell Mattinson describes Xanadu as a ‘no-brainer’ in Top 100 terms, providing the following commentary… “We’re at the ‘needs no introduction’ stage now. Xanadu has long been the producer of interesting wines but what winemaker Glenn Goodall has done here since taking the reins in 2005 is staggering to say the least. In short, he’s taken this winery from very good to excellent to outstanding, and he’s done it by improving the wines across the board, for starters, but also upping the value on offer, and also by championing specific sites.”
On October 27th, Xanadu are hosting a dreamy Italian feast as part of the Fine Vines Festival.
Live La Dolce Vita with Xanadu as Head Chef Andrea Gasparini sinks into his Italian heritage over five indulgent courses. Paired with Xanadu’s award-winning wines, you’ll be able to taste Andrea’s passion for traditional Italian food with a menu reminiscent of his childhood spent at Italian markets, learning how to transform simple, fresh ingredients into an indulgent meal made to be shared with friends and family. Experience the joy of true Italian cuisine and culture inside the rustic rammed-earth walls of Xanadu’s restaurant.
What’s Included
Connect with like-minded wine enthusiasts, discover new favourites, or deepen your appreciation for the world of wine.
‘Food and Wine’ ticket includes canapés with an Aperol Spritz followed by a five-course dinner paired with five of Xanadu’s award-winning wines. The ‘Food Only’ ticket includes canapés and a five-course dinner.
And you’re invited!
Date & Time
October 27, 2023 | 6:00 – 10:00pm
Location
Xanadu Wines 316 Boodjidup Rd, Margaret River WA 6284
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