95 Points James Halliday — Margaret River Cabernet at Its Most Focused and Powerful

My Wine Man on Xanadu

Xanadu is one of Margaret River's most celebrated and historically significant estates, founded in 1977 and now recognised as one of the region's benchmark producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. Under the stewardship of Chief Winemaker Glenn Goodall, Xanadu has consistently produced Cabernet of extraordinary focus, depth, and regional character — wines that sit comfortably alongside the finest examples from Bordeaux and Napa Valley. The estate's approach to Cabernet is meticulous and uncompromising: small batch ferments in both static and open fermenters, pumping over and plunging for maximum colour and tannin extraction, extended maceration of up to four weeks for structural complexity, and maturation in French oak for 12 months. The 2016 vintage was exceptional in Margaret River, delivering a long, cool growing season with outstanding natural acidity and fruit concentration — the ideal conditions for producing Cabernet of genuine longevity and distinction.

Tasting Notes

A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot, matured for 12 months in French oak (40% new). Focused and powerful, the deep but bright colour is a come-on. Cassis is given context by Cabernet tannins, which are firm, not dry — a wine of precision and structural integrity that rewards patience. 95 Points — James Halliday

Style & Drinking Window

Full-bodied and powerfully structured, the 2016 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of classic Margaret River character — focused, precise, and built to age. The firm but ripe Cabernet tannins and vibrant natural acidity give the wine excellent structure and longevity. Now approaching its prime drinking window after nearly a decade of cellaring, the wine is drinking beautifully and will continue to develop through 2032. Decant for 60 minutes to allow the full aromatic complexity to unfold. Serve at 17–19°C.

Food Pairing

The focused cassis, firm Cabernet tannins, and French oak complexity of the 2016 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon make it a surprisingly elegant match for Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck Pancake Kit from My Meat Man. The wine's dark fruit intensity and savoury structure complement the rich, lacquered character of Peking duck beautifully — the firm tannins cutting through the fat while the cassis and cedar notes echo the hoisin and five-spice flavours of the dish.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$199, the 2016 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon represents outstanding value for a 95-point, nearly decade-aged Margaret River Cabernet from one of the region's most celebrated estates. Margaret River Cabernet of this focus, structure, and critical acclaim regularly commands significantly higher prices from comparable producers — making this a compelling buy for the serious wine lover who wants benchmark Australian Cabernet at an accessible price point.

Looking for a Different Style?

- 2017 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon — Margaret River icon, elegant and classically structured
- 2019 Fraser Gallop Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon — Margaret River precision, cassis and fine cedar complexity
- 2020 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon — Margaret River benchmark, rich and finely crafted