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B-21 Top Recommendation
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As prices in Napa Valley continue to skyrocket, savvy collectors are turning to some far-flung reaches to get their hands on cult-caliber Cabernets and Chardonnays for prices that don't break the bank, and Australia's Margaret River is at the top of the pyramid in that regard. You may be familiar with iconic Leeuwin's Art Series, but Xanadu has been quietly keeping pace for years with their equally stunning line-up, headlined by the critically acclaimed Reserve bottlings.
At 97+ points, the 2022 Chardonnay Reserve is "a wine of profound complexity and length, yet it is steely, restrained and mineral in the extreme," writes Erin Larkin of Wine Advocate. The heavily maritime climate of the Wallcliffe sub-region that Xanadu calls home gives extra vibrancy and verve to an already racy style of Chardonnay that Margaret River is well-known for, as is confirmed by several glowing critical reviews in addition to Larkin's. A pair of 96-point reviews from Suckling and Halliday Wine Companion and 94 points from Vinous add icing to the cake. Likewise, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve notched 96 points from Wine Advocate's Erin Brooks, who writes, "Routinely a beautiful wine, it's no different in this vintage, and it will reward careful cellaring for decades to come." In other words, don't sleep for a second on this pair for a bona fide, world-class collectibles that can be had for a fraction of the price of similar bottlings from Napa or Burgundy.
At the opposite end of the price spectrum, the flagship wines present some of the greatest QPR expressions to be found anywhere in Australia, with massive scores across the board and under $30 each. The 95-point 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a "classic, polished Margaret River Cab" that demonstrates a "youthful, vibrant nature" today but will certainly cruise for a few years in the cellar. Also pulling in 95 points, the 2023 Chardonnay is "very focused and mineral-driven," demonstrating the excellent, cool-vintage potential of Margaret River Chard in this vintage. The electric, vibrant style of Xanadu means this is one for the cellar, and probably for much longer than you'd think, according to Wine Enthusiast's Christina Pickard.
It's not every day that you can find a pair of benchmark collectible and a pair of stellar QPR value stars in the same offer, let alone from the same producer, but today offers a chance for wine lovers of all stripes and budgets to load up on some overperforming all-stars at market-best pricing across the board. |
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A Best in Show winner at Decanter World Wine Awards 2025. From a great vintage, this is a considered blend of old Cabernet vineyards in Treeton, Wilyabrup and Wallcliffe, with 5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot; spending 14 months in French oak. The palate is deep and detailed, with a fine texture and beautiful purity of black fruit, layered with hints of dark chocolate, pencil shavings and savoury nuances, plus a refined seam of granite minerality. So harmonious and elegant – proof, if it were needed, that Margaret River's Cabs are simply world-class.
97 points, Julie Sheppard, Decanter (Nov 2025)
The 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a variety of vineyards in Margaret River, and so it provides the antithesis of the single-vineyard Steven's Road Cabernet tasted alongside. Here, the Reserve leads with eucalypt and pink peppercorns (with that citrus, blood orange tint to it), tobacco, cedar and pencil shavings, and the oak is currently a feature. The wine has 5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot, and these provide further structure, florals (wet roses and violets) and spice. Routinely a beautiful wine, it's no different in this vintage, and it will reward careful cellaring for decades to come. Matured in French oak for 14 months, 40% new.
96 points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Sep 2025)
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is powerful, confident and composed, rippling with cassis, olive, chocolate and blackberry aromas. The palate is tense, mouthfilling and beautifully balanced, with firm acidity and chewy tannins driving a strong finish of fabulous length.
95 points, Angus Hughson, Vinous (Jan 2026)
Lifted and perfumed notes of wild blackberries, mulberries, licorice, coffee beans and cedar. The palate is full-bodied with seamless tannins and focused acidity, giving notes of blueberries, blood plums, baking spices and graphite. Incredibly integrated and balanced with an underlying tension. Pure class. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
95 points, James Suckling (Oct 2024)
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