Xanadu Vinework Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2023 and Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Margaret River) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delightful wines from Margaret River in Western Australia. Both of these wines arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent February 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which featured wines from Australia.

These wines are produced by Xanadu Wines, a winery that was founded in 1977 by Dr. John Lagan, an Irish immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1969, who was drawn to the emerging wine region of Margaret River. Dr. Lagan recognized the viticultural potential of Margaret River because the cool, maritime climate was similar to Bordeaux. Situated in an idyllic setting, only a few kilometres from the coast, in a place radiating with promise and potential, Xanadu was named for an ancient, otherworldly paradise described in the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and symbolizes a winemaking utopia.

Dr. Lagan and his wife, Eithne, were the first to establish vineyards on the property, and one of the first in Margaret River, and focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Over the next couple of decades, they developed Xanadu Wines into one of Australia's highly-acclaimed wineries.

In 2005, Xanadu Wines was acquired by Rathbone Wine Group. The Rathbone family invested its resources to continue to enhance vineyard management and winemaking techniques, while also focusing on sustainable viticulture and modernizing the winery. Margaret River is a place filled with life and energy, and the philosophy is to bottle the vibrancy of this place. At Xanadu, there's harmony between the place and the people, and features a dynamic balance that brings out the best of both, and helps create wines filled with energy.

The process at Xanadu is driven by a deep respect for the land, while also ensuring that they protect the integrity and potential of the region. With sustainable practices and nurturing the land, they ensure that the land will continue to thrive for future generations. Xanadu Wines have been certified sustainable since 2011 by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. They have over 65 hectares of vines on the estate, which flourish on the rich, free-draining soils of the Margaret River region. Xanadu uses a minimalist approach to winemaking, which allows the region's richness and vibrancy to shine through. With a goal to make sure that the spirit of the region is unmistakable in every bottle, an energy that you can feel, and genuine characters that you can taste, Xanadu Wines is considered today to be one of Margaret River's top wineries.

Both the 2022 and 2023 vintages in Margaret River were excellent, with the 2022 wines exhibiting vibrant, fine, and elegant characteristics, while the wines from 2023 have a little more density. Let's see how the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

XANADU VINEWORK SAUVIGNON BLANC / SEMILLON 2023 - Sustainable, Margaret River, Western Australia (#41315) (XD) - $22.95
This 75/25 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was fermented in both stainless steel and (wild fermented) in French barriques, while also aged on its lees for 3 months. A touch nose tingling, the fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offers enticing aromas of kiwi, guava, and passion fruit wrapped around a core of lemon/lime citrus accented with grapefruit, leesy minerals, and whiffs of jalapeño. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is concentrated, ripe, and slightly honeyed with delicious kiwi, guava, passion fruit, lemon/lime citrus, and grapefruit flavours supported by crisp and zesty acidity. Lemon/lime citrus, grapefruit, and leesy mineral notes linger on the long, crisp finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

XANADU CIRCA 77 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#18344) (XD) - $18.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc has a medium+ to medium-high intensity that nose offers fresh evergreen and minty herb aromas wrapped around a core of mocha chocolate, savoury earth, black currant, blackberry, and cassis, plus oak spice. The mid-weighted palate is dry and ripe with a delicious mix of minty herb, evergreen, oak spice, blackcurrant, cassis, and savoury earth flavours. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the smooth, ripe, and fairly round tannins have good structure. Savoury earth, oak, minty herb, and blackcurrant notes linger on the long, well-balanced finish. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

There's a high-end Chardonnay that is available at one LCBO outlet, while the full range of Xanadu Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.