Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River 2021

The estate grapes come from the subregions of Wilyabrup and Wallcliffe from the renowned Houghton clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, which provides a balance of fruit-driven flavours, impeccable structure and fine tannins. The ancient granite soils have an abundance of ironstone gravel. These free-draining soils have low water and nutrient holding capacities, providing the optimum growing conditions to achieve balance between foliage and fruit, and deliver superb aroma and flavour intensity. The Indian and Southern Oceans meet here, engulfing the vineyards with fresh, sea breezes, promoting natural balance. The vineyard is managed sustainably with cover crops, biodiversity promotion and weed management from sheep grazing.

The grapes were crushed and destemmed before mostly small batch fermentation took place at 24 to 26 °C in static and open fermenters, lasting seven to eight days. The cap was submerged using pumping over and regular hand plunging. Post fermentation, 20% underwent extended skin maceration, imparting colour, structure and flavour, before being gently pressed. Malolactic conversion took place in a combination of tank and barrel. The wine was matured for 14 months in French oak (40% new).