2022 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

An impressive Cabernet Sauvignon from a season which produced wines of power and volume with a firm structure. This is all of that. The typical blackcurrant aromas are augmented with sweet plummy nuances. The palate is tightly framed with firm tannins and a decent oak influence from the 40% new French oak contribution. The colour is bright and almost luminous. A wine of energy and vibrancy. If you are looking for great value in cellaring then this baby is right on the mark. Drink 2025 to 2040.

96 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot, February 2025

Dark red, youthful and bright in the glass. Classic cabernet aromas of cassis, bramble, dried herbs, cedar, tobacco, anise and bayleaf. Tightly bound, concentrated and pure in flavour. There's lashings of blackberry, dark cherry, briar and cedar. The tannins are firm, seriously shaped and drying and the acidity delivers plenty of zip and zap. Archetypal Margaret River caberent built for cellaring . Drink 2024 to 2039.

95 points Aaron Brasher for The Real Review, November 2024

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. Drink 2025 to 2038.

95 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion (Special Value), August 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. Drink 2024 to 2037.

94 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, November 2024

The nose is perfumed and lifted, with notes of blackcurrants, boysenberries, violets, blueberries and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with finely grained tannins and focused acidity, showing tightly bound notes of potpourri, iodine, wild blackberries and mulberries, Very fresh and focused, with a structure that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

94 Points James Suckling, October 2024

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is approachable and bursts with layered black currant and black olive aromas, accented by a leafy lift. Edgy acidity and firm tannins provide a strong backbone to the cassis and fennel seed flavors, which are delivered with power and length. A sturdy, structural wine that needs time to settle. Drink 2030 to 2038.

92 points Angus Hughson for Vinous, January 2026

Xanadu was founded in 1977 by Dr John Lagan and his wife Eithne and named after the mythical paradise in S.T. Coleridge's poem Kubla Khan. The estate sits in Margaret River's southern reaches, a part of the region more directly exposed to the Southern Ocean than the northern subregions, with alluvial and gravelly soils and a climate shaped by maritime influence throughout the growing season. The Rathbone family acquired the estate in 2005, and under their ownership Xanadu has become one of the region's most awarded producers. The equally decorated Glenn Goodall has been the senior winemaker since that transition. His approach starts in the vineyard, with viticulturist Alex Miller leading sustainable farming across the estate. This producer is consistently delivering on the promise of its name: a vision in a dream.

The Cabernet Sauvignon offers exceptional value without compromising on quality, capturing the essence of the region’s unique terroir. With its cool maritime climate and diverse soils, the region allows Cabernet Sauvignon to develop rich, concentrated flavors while maintaining structure and freshness—attributes that shine through in this wine.

Deep, rich ruby color with hints of purple. The nose is inviting, with aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, alongside herbal notes of eucalyptus, tobacco, and a touch of pencil shavings. Subtle hints of vanilla and spice from the oak aging round out the bouquet, adding depth and complexity. Full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins that provide structure without being too aggressive. The dark fruit flavors are rich and juicy, with blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of mulberry leading the way, while the wine’s acidity provides a refreshing lift. The oak influence adds soft notes of vanilla and spice, adding layers to the wine without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long, with lingering dark fruit and a hint of cedar that leaves a satisfying aftertaste.

Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as steak, lamb, or venison, as well as rich, hearty dishes like beef stew, slow-cooked short ribs, or roast duck. It also complements hard cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese, making it a great addition to a cheese platter.

For the quality and price, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers great value for anyone seeking a premium, approachable wine.