Dive into Margaret River wines with Xanadu

Of all the places in the world I have yet to visit, the Margaret River area of Western Australia is high on the bucket list. A life-long surfer, a wine nerd, and a wildlife photographer, it beckons to me with its bright blue hues, hefty waves, and expansive country. But, until then, exploring some of the region’s wonderful wines will have to do.

I recently tried a few wines from a new-to-me label called Xanadu, and their vibrancy and deliciousness briefly transported me to WA. And it was lovely. These wines (classics like Sauv Blanc/Semillon, Chardonnay, and Cab) sport such brightness, tangy fruit, and seem imbued with a sense of wind-swept herbs and sea salt. I’m here for it.

Credit: Xanadu Wines

In Margaret River, the moderating influence of the cold ocean waters combine with gravelly-loam soils to offer growers and winemakers a lovely canvass. Xanadu, with their own unique flavor of classic European varieties, is a great starting point if you’re looking to get into Margaret River wines.

These “Circa 77” line pays homage to the oceanic region and the year when the estate’s first vines were planted. Back then, the region wasn’t well known, and there must’ve been some uncertainty. But the region, and estate, have grown exponentially over the decades. In 2005, the winery was purchased by the Rathbone family, who had previously achieved success with wineries Yering Station and Mount Langi Ghiran.

The wines are crafted by Chief Winemaker Glenn Goddall. Although he’s from New Zealand, and I’m from the East Coast of the U.S., I can relate to his story. He fell in love with the region and its wines while taking a surf trip to Australia in 1989. If I were running around West Oz, I’m not sure I’d want to leave either. 

And with the way costs run these days, and market uncertainties, it’s pretty amazing that these wines are line-priced at $19. 

2023 Xanadu Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
SRP: $19
Light yellow color. The aromas pop with lemons, kiwi, yellow apple, along with yellow flowers and sea salt (a pleasantly reoccurring theme in these wines). On the palate, this is zippy and crunchy, also showing nice textural depth with slight waxy tones, lovely balance. Green apples and yellow pear fruit mixes well with tones of mint, basil, white pepper, and I get nuances of almond skin, hay, and sea salt. Delicious, versatile, and a lot of fun. 70/30 SB/Semillon. (90 points) 

2022 Xanadu Chardonnay - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
SRP: $19
Light yellow color. Aromas show lemons, kiwi, orange peel, and papaya, dusted with notes of chalk dust, sea salt, and white perfume. Super brisk and bright on the palate but has a pleasantly plush texture, finely balanced, with flavors of lemon/lime, yellow apples, and orange peel. I love the accents of sea salt, white flowers, nuanced graham cracker, and almond skin. Racy but complex, lovely Springtime sipper. No maloactic fermentation, but the wine did undergo lees stirring, and the combination is delightful. Aged 2/3 in used French oak and 1/3 in tank. (92 points) 

2022 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River
SRP: $19
Light purple color. Smelling this, I get a cool mix of dark, tangy fruit (tart cherry, cranberry relish, black currant jam) with an herbal and earthy blend (mesquite, violets, black tea, rosemary, black pepper). On the palate the zesty acidity kicks off and carries throughout, while the tannins provide a dusty texture. The fruit is crunchy plums, blackberries and red and black currants, tossed with complex notes of mesquite, sage, black pepper. I get notes of mineral and graphite as well. Love the tangy, spicy vibes, this is a complex but trim wine with food-friendly appeal. Includes dashes of Cab Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged 14 months in 20% new French oak. (91 points)