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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 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve notched 95+ points from Vinous' Angus Hughson, who writes, "all the signs point to something special" in this hallmark Margaret River expression. 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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The 2022 Reserve Chardonnay is richer and more voluminous than the racy Steven's Road, and the wine exhibits a capacious mid-palate that tends to expand and widen as it progresses through to the long finish. This is a wine of profound complexity and length, yet it is steely, restrained and mineral in the extreme. Salivating acidity clinches the deal. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
97+ points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
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.
96 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (Aug 2024)
Wonderfully complex and mineral-driven aromas of lime curd, lemon confit, sea spray and nougat. The palate is tightly bound with energetic acidity and powerful underlying notes of gunsmoke, grapefruit pith, orange blossoms and jasmine. Polished with incredibly high tension. Pure class. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
96 points, James Suckling (Oct 2024)
An exotic spring bouquet: jasmine, honeysuckle, cedar, sea spray and a crushed limestone minerality. Spicy, with a restrained flint character. Crystalline Meyer lemon fruit and a slight oak char. Mouthfilling yet not voluptuous. Taut, long and striking, with power and volume from the fruit core. A beauty. 100% Gingin clone from Xanadu’s oldest Chardonnay vineyard.
96 points, Cassandra Charlick, Decanter (Jun 2024)
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