2015 Xanadu DJL Shiraz, Margaret River

For a lot of people shiraz are rich, ripe and powerful wines that hail from warmer climates of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. A lot of people associate shiraz with gamey dark fruits, spice and pepper derived from vines grown in cooler regions of Australia like Victoria’s Great Western.

Margaret River Shiraz exhibits traits of both warm and cool climate, displaying luscious red fruits but also nuances of cooler pepper and spice characters.

Established in 1977 by Irishman Dr John Lagan, Xanadu continues to flourish in near-perfect environment of an abundant water supply, rich free draining gravel soil and a unique maritime climate.

Following on the outstanding 2014 vintage the 2015 Xanadu DJL Shiraz was destemmed and fermented in predominantly new French oak. Fourteen month maturation in French oak barriques (35% new) followed prior to bottling.

The wine is deep red with purple hues. The nose displays dark berry fruits and fragrant floral notes spiced with hints of peppercorn, redskins and subtle toasty oak influences. DJL is a full-bodied wine, offering ample depth with plenty of ripe forest fruits; blackberries, redcurrants and spice. The moreish, jubey fruit and approachable tannins combine to produce a generous wine with a supple structure and a wonderful persistence of flavour.

96 pts – James Halliday – (Halliday Top 100 - Best reds under $25)

Deep crimson; continuing a line of distinguished wines at bargain basement prices, it is elegant, full of life, and brings together a stream of juicy black cherry fruit, balanced and integrated tannins, and some cleverly handled oak inputs. It is particularly exceptional value.