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
Last night, HWC hosted the annual Halliday Wine Companion Awards. We are delighted to present our 2024 Halliday Wine Companion results.
Most honourable mentions are owed to our 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Reserve Chardonnay and 2021 Stevens Road Chardonnay which were all awarded an exceptional 97 points.
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
“What’s the point of writing anything about this wine? Really. But you’ve come this far so I’ll add the reason: It’s complete, exceptional and beguiling. The best Margaret River cabernet exemplifies those alluring characters. OK, you want to know more. It’s heady with mulberries, cassis and damson plum, wakame and squid ink. Medium bodied, plush and velvety across the palate thanks to sublime tannins with an outrageously long finish. This is irresistible.” Jane Faulkner | Halliday Wine Companion 2024
Reserve Chardonnay 2021
“It can happen. One taste and, while thinking about some meaningful words to describe this exceptional wine, I’m already transported to my happy place. Forgive me. It took time to come back to earth. By then, I had drained the glass. I hope this is your experience, too. The power and beauty of Margaret River fruit are on full display with all the refinement and detail that comes with it. The palate pulses with energy, there’s texture via lees, and judicious handling of oak and fruit, of course. The tensile yet fine acidity weaves everything together towards a super-long finish.” Jane Faulkner | Halliday WineCompanion 2024
Stevens Road Chardonnay 2021
“This reminds me of a David Bowie concert, circa, well … doesn’t matter, I was in the presence of greatness. Stevens Road doesn’t play second fiddle to the reserve chardonnay. It’s tighter, the acidity is distinctive and it feels perhaps finer but equally good. Flavours ebb and flow, one minute lemon and grapefruit the next spice and cream, oak spices, too. It is moreish, savoury and complex. Xanadu chardonnay, ahh, we can be heroes, just for one day.” Jane Faulkner | Halliday Wine Companion 2024
Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
“Not just vineyard specific, this is site-specific as the fruit comes off block 3 (a 0.6ha parcel), this vintage with 14% malbec. They are handsome companions, a bit like winemakers Glenn Goodall and Brendan Carr. Though the latter has moved on after 11 years at Xanadu, he did help make this wine. The inkiness of malbec and its dark cherry accents such a lovely foil to cabernet’s distinct flavour. This is enticing, partly because of its heady aromatics and varietal flavours à la Margaret River, but especially the tannins. They are fine, shapely and defined. The finish is long and the wine has a bright, long future.” Jane Faulkner | Halliday Wine Companion 2024
But wait, there’s more …
Xanadu was awarded yet another Top 5-Red Star winery rating. This means that Xanadu has been recognised as an outstanding winery, regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity, with at least two wines rated at 95 points or above, and holding a 5-star rating for the previous three years (i.e. 4 years in total at 5 stars). We have also been recognised as having a long track record of excellence, maintaining a 5-star rating continuously for 10 years – “truly the best of the best.”
These accolades are an absolute testament to the unerring passion and efforts of our dedicated winemaking and viticulture teams, led by Glenn Goodall and Robert Underdown.
Xanadu Reigns as Australia’s Best Cabernet at the National Wine Show of Australia.
Our renowned family-run winery, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of securing the Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy at the National Wine Show of Australia for an unprecedented ninth consecutive year. The trophy was awarded to the 2019 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon, reinforcing Xanadu’s dominance in producing Australia’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon.
This brings Xanadu’s trophy number to 136, of that, Xanadu’s Cabernet Sauvignon wines have won a staggering 68 trophies and 168 gold medals in wine shows since 2007.
The recognition received at the National Press Club in Canberra serves as a testament to the commitment to quality embedded in every bottle of Xanadu wine. Glenn Goodall, Chief Winemaker, and his dedicated team have once again demonstrated their expertise, showcasing the exceptional pedigree of wines that emanate from the beautiful Margaret River region.
‘We are all thrilled, and to be honest quite humbled, to have won the Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy again. To have received this award for the ninth year in a row, with nine different wines, is quite incredible! The achievement highlights the strength of Margaret River Cabernet and the ongoing effort and commitment from the entire team at Xanadu, as well as acknowledging the excellence of our dedicated growers,’ said Glenn Goodall, Chief Winemaker at Xanadu.
The accolade further solidifies Xanadu’s standing as one of Australia’s premier producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, reaffirming the winery’s commitment to crafting wines of unparalleled distinction.
‘We believe in the potential of Margaret River as one of Australia’s greatest wine regions, driven by our passion for Cabernet Sauvignon,’ stated Darren Rathbone, CEO of Rathbone Wine Group, owners of Xanadu.
‘The acquisition of Xanadu in 2005 allowed us to unlock the full potential of this extraordinary vineyard and showcase the true essence of Margaret River in every bottle.’
Guided by Glenn Goodall’s deep respect for the vineyards and their unique qualities, Xanadu continues to be a family-owned and operated winery that embodies the true spirit of the Margaret River region. Their philosophy of allowing the wines to express their individuality, rather than forcing them into a preconceived mould, has resulted in wines of exceptional character and distinction.
Xanadu’s unmatched reign as Australia’s leading producer of Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the passion, focus and dedication of the winemaking team and the diverse beauty of the Margaret River region.
On June 1st we released our much anticipated Flagship range, encompassing the 2020 Xanadu Reserve and Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignons and 2021 Xanadu Reserve and Stevens Road Chardonnays, all of which entered the market with critical acclaim. The release of these wines is something we look forward to every year.
2020 Xanadu Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
“There have been some wonderful 2020 cabernets from Margaret River but none better than this. What a glorious statement of the region and a great vintage.” | 99 Points | Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
The Chardonnays are from the 2021 vintage, notable for unusually humid conditions for Margaret River. The extra work required in the vineyard has ultimately paid dividends, resulting in some wonderfully bright, elegant wines being produced.
The Cabernets are from one of the earliest vintages seen in the region, the outstanding 2020 vintage. While it was near perfect throughout the entire harvest it did have its challenges – namely due to the global pandemic unfolding during vintage. But, according to Ray Jordan at Wine Pilot, “it’s as if nothing missed a beat”.
2020 Xanadu Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon
“… a triumph for vineyard and region. Black fruit on the nose with a subtle confectionery compote character … an outstanding wine. I love this vineyard and what it produces.” | 98 Points | Ray Jordan
This release of our Stevens Road wines celebrates our 13th Chardonnay and 12th Cabernet Sauvignon under this single vineyard label. Production is still very limited (only 250 doz. Chardonnay and 140 doz. Cabernet), however it demonstrates our focus on selecting only the very best rows, from the very best blocks on the property. It is these blocks that we consider as our own ‘Grand Cru’ vineyards, along with our Lagan Estate Chardonnay of course. The Stevens Road vineyard has consistently produced some of Xanadu’s best Chardonnay and Cabernet every vintage and offers a unique expression of what this special little vineyard in the heart of Boodjidup is able to produce.
2021 Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnay
“This reminds me of a David Bowie concert, circa, well …doesn’t matter, I was in the presence of greatness. Stevens Road doesn’t play second fiddle to the reserve chardonnay… Xanadu chardonnay, ahh, we can be heroes, just for one day.” | Jane Faulkner, 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, 2023
The Reserve range continues to be the best of what we can produce in a given vintage and is only made when we feel it is worthy (single vineyard or otherwise) of wearing the ‘Reserve’ label. This year we are happy to be releasing both a Chardonnay and Cabernet which reflect this philosophy. The lineage of our 2021 Reserve Chardonnay continues thanks to the pedigree of our Lagan Estate vineyard, and marks 14 consecutive releases of this wine since our inaugural Reserve Chardonnay. While we haven’t produced a Reserve Cabernet every year, the 2020 was more than worthy, a statement widely supported within the industry. The 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 5 trophies at the 2022 Royal Perth Wine Show, Platinum at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards, and Gold at the 2023 Royal QLD Wine Show and the 2022 Halliday Chardonnay and Cabernet Challenge.
2021 Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay
“The palate is super intense and linear with a bright chalky acidity pushing it through to a very long finish.” | 98 Points | Ray Jordan
We believe these wines express the diversity, and personality that all these vineyards have to offer, and represent the best wines that we have been able to produce in the given vintages.
We’re thrilled to share that our 2023 vintage has wrapped up, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. The summer was dry and mild, which provided perfect ripening conditions for our grapes. We began the harvest in mid-February, and even though there was a minor rain event in the second week of April during the red harvest, the fruit was able to achieve lovely flavour and tannin ripeness due to the beautiful autumn weather.
“While Mother Nature certainly provided her challenges (cool, wet conditions for budburst through to flowering, Weevils and lots of birds!) we really did have some ideal conditions through the season. The vintage crew were a highlight, seeing the team come together and understand the challenges.”
ROBERT UNDERDOWN | VITICULTURALIST
Despite processing 1,300 tons this year, the vintage was trouble-free, with the amazing vintage crew also being a highlight for Senior Winemaker Glenn Goodall, and further sharing that “having an awesome group of people with great camaraderie is always a highlight of any vintage.”
When asked about their pick from this vintage, Glenn Goodall and Robert Underdown both sharing their excitement for the Chardonnays. “I feel as though our Lagan and Stevens Road Chardonnays never seem to skip a beat with 2023 offering our consistent house style, bright tangy fruits with a lovely natural acid backbone giving the wines focus.”
GLENN GOODALL | CHIEF WINEMAKER
And for some fun, the team celebrated end of vintage with a fancy dress jungle theme with many loincloths featuring on the day. Overall, the Xanadu 2023 vintage offers a great year, with the Chardonnays being the standout wine of the season. Grab a bottle and experience the consistent house style that we are proud to offer at Xanadu.
Venetian-born Andrea Gasparini’s new menu is a creative fusion of flavour, produce and culture—a work of art from Xanadu’s recently appointed Head chef. A seamless segway between modern Australian and Italian cuisine, Andrea has brought the quintessential dining experience to the iconic restaurant.
Before calling Margaret River home, Andrea perfected his craft at the 2 Michelin-starred restaurants Antica Osteria Cera— one of Italy’s most renowned culinary experiences for seafood and the historically famed La Fontanini in Verona. Here he embraced the discipline, dedication and true finesse of fine dining.
However, growing up in the family kitchen profoundly influenced the dynamic chef’s career in a way that only the authentic foods of your childhood can. “Every experience in my career has led me to where I am now as a chef, yet what inspired me the most was growing up surrounded by exceptional produce and witnessing its transformation into the most heavenly dishes.”
“My family cooked food just for the pure pleasure of eating.” The menu clearly expresses these sentiments, showcasing the incredible local produce interlaced with Italian notes and aromas to marry perfectly with the vibrant elegance of Xanadu’s wines. Channelling this famiglia motto into his dishes, Andrea’s quest is to treat Xanadu’s guests to an extraordinary gastronomic expedition—paying homage to his homeland and ours.
How does this translate on the plate? Start fresh and flavourful from the sea; succulent Fremantle octopus wades gently in smoky potato foam with a sauteed mosaic of mirepoix and a dusting of paprika. From the land, tender, melt-in-your-mouth veal striploin accented with the delicate brininess of tuna, umami mushroom, and a garden-fresh peppery pop of nasturtium.
Meld into the mains with the impeccably juicy beef short ribs, dipped in a velvety dose of bagna cauda, sidelined with summery zucchini and the sweet coolness of mint. Or venture into the maritime with the catch of the day, with a light crowning of fish mousse enlivened with cucumber and the floral, salted lemony tang of a wakame and caper dressing. Vegetable heaven is a perfect partnership of savoy cabbage and a sweet earthy beetroot steak, coupled with the jammy complexity of caramelised onion and nutty buckwheat.
Sides are stars in their own right; charred sweet corn, buttery maple syrup, peppered with parmesan and paprika, rivals the potato and mayonnaise with shrimp and sesame salt. Cultures combine to bring your journey to a honeyed finale; nonna’s almond cake, graced with chardonnay poached pear and crumble, will transport your tastebuds to reminisce and swoon. Then decadence arrives in the form of a dark chocolate parfait and plum pate de fruit.
Andrea’s desire to bring the pure joy of food speaks clearly through his creations. His dishes tell the story of a chef intrigued by the world yet deeply indebted and connected to his roots. “My wish is to create exceptional food for the whole family. Seeing people experience the joy of eating together drives me to keep cooking and creating. Food reminds us of where we come from and where we belong.”
It is with excitement we announce Xanadu’s partnership with the 2023 + 2024 Shore Leave Festival!
Celebrating the natural abundance of culture, food and adventure in the unique Midwest region, Shore Leave will host a program of events between 27-30 April, with events including the bustling seafood market, Abrolhos Long Table Lunch, marine discovery tours, live local music and an amateur lobster cook off.
As a part of one of the festivals highlights, Xanadu will be the key wine sponsor for the iconic Midwest Paddock to Plate featuring Australian food icon Matt Moran and WA Good Food Guide, Georgia Moore as hosts. A chance for guests to get back to the land, the farm-based menu will be curated by Matt himself against our Margaret River wines. Think undulating paddocks, beautifully laid tables, Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, meat sizzling over an open flame and flavour packed sides plucked straight from the veggie patch. The Chefs reverence for food provenance will shine with a distinct menu evoking a magical sense of place. Yanget Farm, one of the oldest and most fertile farms in the region, will place guests right in the heart of the Midwest’s agricultural food bowl.
Xanadu’s partnership with the MidWest Paddock to Plate promises special-occasion magic for discerning diners who love to eat local.
XANADU WINES AVAILABLE AT THE MIDWEST PADDOCK TO PLATE
• Xanadu Circa 77 range
• Xanadu Vinework Sauvignon Blanc
• Xanadu Vinework Shiraz
• Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon
• Xanadu Fortified Shiraz
• Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay
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