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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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Bright crystalline citrus, peach and white floral notes open. Something more mineral, like crushed stones and chalk dust, comes next, and a whisper of something more lactic below. The palate offers a wonderful zing of vibrant acidity, tamed by some slippery texture. Juicy fruit and gentle spice flavors prickle on the long finish. Delicious now, but still young. There's several decade of life left in this beauty.
95 points, Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2025)
It’s nervy, energising and still finding its groove. 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. In another year, this will be more compelling.
94 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (Aug 2024)
The nose is very focused and mineral-driven, with aromas of lemon peel, gun smoke, white peaches and sea spray. The palate is medium-bodied with focused acidity and a generous texture, giving notes of grapefruit pith, salt brine and green papayas. A very minerally and steely structure that will soften nicely in the years to come. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 points, James Suckling (Oct 2024)
A reserved opening of melon to start before pithy white grapefruit, flint, green apple with some sweet cinnamon spice in support. Some air and warmth unlocks nougat, seaspray and a whisper of nectarine. The palate is quite taut, tensile and hightoned with a burst of grapefruit, salted lemon, subtle fine cedar, white nectarine and seaspray coiled within a tight line of pithy phenolics and saline acidity to good length. This is tight and fine with line, freshness and tension aching to unfurl. Drink from 2025-2029. Tasted Dec 2024.
93 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (Feb 2025)
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