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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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Showing off its youthful, vibrant nature with all manner of flavours from cassis, mulberries and redcurrants to baking spices, nori and a distinct whiff of licorice – even warm bitumen – and a flutter of leafy freshness. Fuller bodied but well composed with ripe, if slightly sandy, tannins and the cedary oak neatly tucked in, just giving off a slight green walnut note. Appealing now but in a way, it’s still finding its groove and will be more complete with an extra year or so in bottle.
95 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (Aug 2024)
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon leads with glossy black fruits, dried mint, licorice, pink peppercorn and blood plum. The tannins are chewy and supple and feel ultra fine in the context of the length of flavor and intensity thereof. Silty is another word. It's a lovely wine, from a very good Cabernet vintage in Margaret River. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
94 points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Nov 2024)
Dusty tobacco, savory herbs and an umami note threads dense blackcurrant and menthol. With quiet power and chiseled, cat's tongue tannins, this is still young and tightly wound, but should unravel gracefully over the next decade. Classic, polished Margaret River Cab.
94 points, Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2025)
A blend of fruit from mature vineyards from Wilyabrup, Yallingup, Wallcliffe and Treeton, that spends 14 months in 40% new French oak barriques. Classic lifted Margaret River cassis with fresh ocean brine, nori, satsuma plum, cooling granite and a touch of myrrh. Balanced if slightly grainy tannins, with notes of nigella and caraway seed, strawberry top and hibiscus florals. Prickles of wild spice and Sichuan pepper with knife-like acidity. Firm, ripe tannins with poised width and length – and plenty of persistence.
94 points, Cassandra Charlick, Decanter (Jan 2025)
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