Xanadu Exmoor Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Margaret River)

The 2017 growing season began with late bud-burst after a relatively cold, wet Winter. The mild Spring which followed ensured that there was good flowering and fruit set, in fact some yields needed to be addressed with crop thinning. Fine, mild conditions prevailed during Summer, which ended up being one of the coolest growing seasons in recent years. Harvest commenced late,
at the end of February, with abundant Marri blossom keeping bird pressure very low whilst the whites were harvested. March was relatively wet with a significant rain event after most of the white fruit had been picked. Fortunately, the April that followed was glorious (the driest April since 1982 in fact) with fine weather and no heat extremes experienced at all. The extended ripening period allowing the reds to attain full physiological maturity and tannin ripeness with a wonderful sense of finesse.

75% of blend was Estate grown on our Boodjudup and Stevens Road vineyards in the Wallcliffe sub-region of Margaret River. The remainder was predominantly sourced from an established Margaret River vineyard in Wilyabrup. The fruit was crushed and destemmed then fermented in a combination of rotary and static fermenters at 26°C 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 a combination of tank and barrel before 14 months of maturation in a selection French oak barriques (20% new). Winery Notes