97 Points | Trophy - 2026 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge
Xanadu of Margaret River has firmly established itself as one of Australia's leading Cabernet makers, always impressing with the quality and value-for-money on offer. The 2024 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon continues the sublime recent form of this wine, with it recently awarded the trophy for Best Cabernet at the 2026 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge.
Opening with lifted aromas of dark fruits of the forest, cassis, black plums and a hint of dried herb. A generous, full-bodied Margaret River Cabernet, this still manages to be refined with wonderful fruit purity, a dense core of inky berry fruits, ripe tannins and an impressive lingering finish.
"96 Points. A mighty challenge to follow the stellar 2022 and 2023 releases under this label, yet this comes remarkably close. It ticks every box for quality cabernet sauvignon. As has become the house style, there's wonderful elegance, poise and structure. Black currant, bay leaf, black olive and subtle oyster shell minerality create a compelling and complex aromatic opening. The sleek palate conceals tremendous power and structure, seamlessly integrated with fine chalky tannins and beautifully judged oak. Another exceptional release under this label. Cellar: 13 years. $46"- Ray Jordan, rayjordanwine.com.au.
