Deep ruby color; blackcurrant, plum, blueberries, redcurrant, cherry, mocha, black olive, licorice on the nose and palate.
Dry; moderate, slightly drying tannins and acidity. Simple, amiable easy drinker with some herbaceous notes in the mid-palate that either are intriguing or distracting, depending upon your proclivities. Blend of 89% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 4% merlot, 2% petit verdot. 14% ABV
Xanadu traces its beginnings to the Lagan Estate planted by Dr. John Lagan in 1977—thus the circa 1977 in the winery name. Two other vineyards, the Stevens Road and the Boodjidup Estate followed in 1987 and 1999 to complete today’s operation. The winery notes: “Margaret River’s ability to ripen fruit with excellent balance, refinement and structure allows our winemakers to take a relatively minimal intervention approach in the winery allowing the quality of the grapes to shine. Seen as custodians of the vineyards and what each individual site has to offer, our winemakers guide the wines through to the bottle, rather than ‘beating them into submission’.”
That vision has made Xanadu a leader in sustainable wine growing in Australia. The website notes: “As one of the first Margaret River wineries to become officially accredited with the SWA [Sustainable Winegrowing Australia] certification (2011), our commitment to sustainability predates our membership. To us, the health of our vines, soil and intimate knowledge of the region and land surrounding us, truly represents what sustainable longevity is. This knowledge and commitment allows us to continuously look ahead and uncover new initiatives to further improve our business practices for the long haul.” Visit the website for more information.
Darren Rathbone is the CEO and winemaker. Darren first earned a degree in chemical engineering, then a master of science degree from the oenology program at UC-Davis. He then worked in wineries in Bordeaux, Champagne, and Napa Valley. He and his family founded Xanadu in 2005. He works with his father, Doug Rathbone, who is the chairman of the board of Xanadu. Glenn Goodall is the senior winemaker. Originally from New Zealand, Glenn was made senior winemaker soon after the start of Xanadu. Sophie Ward is the winemaker. Another New Zealander, she earned a master’s degree in oenology at the University of Adelaide. Robert Underdown is the viticulturist; he is a veteran of the Royal Australian Navy and earned a master’s degree in viticulture from the University of Western Australia.
Xanadu Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia 2019 is a simple, easy-going Aussie cab blend. Nothing outstanding, but also nothing to complain about. Easily works as a weekday sipper, and certainly works as a second bottle on a bacchanalian feast. Good dark fruits and some length if one-dimensional. Standard Margaret River cab—and there is an ocean of it out there—but that is a comment, not a criticism. Pair with beef; lamb; poultry; comfort foods—pizza, meatloaf, burgers and sliders, pasta, mac and cheese, sausage. Cheese—mature, hard cheese; pecorino-style sheep’s and goat’s milk cheese; aged cheddar, aged gouda, gorgonzola, comté, brie, gruyere, roquefort. $16-20
