Xanadu Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Margaret River)

After a long, and relatively cold and wet winter bud-burst was later than usual, and about a week or two later than last season. There was still some wet, windy spring weather which affected fruit set. Despite the late start to the season, the fantastic WA summer allowed the growing season to catch up with warm, fine weather and a few very hot periods. Marri trees had a bumper year for blossom, which always bodes well, distracting birds away from the fruit (at least for the first half of the season while the blossom lasted). There was no significant weather pressure experienced at all early in the vintage, in fact the warm weather meant that the whites were harvested at a frenetic pace in order to preserve natural acidity. Yields were relatively low, however the fruit quality was excellent with great flavour intensity. In summary 2022 will be remembered as an outstanding vintage in Margaret River.

87% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Petit Verdot 4% Merlot 3% Cabernet Franc

The fruit was crushed and de-stemmed then fermented in a combination of rotary and static fermenters at 26oC for 5 – 7 days. A portion of the blend was left for a period of extended maceration on skins followed by a gentle pressing, adding plushness and a savoury textural element to the wine. The various batches underwent MLF in tank before 14 months maturation in a selection of French oak barriques (20% new).