Xanadu is a Margaret River trailblazer, crafting fresh, coastal-influenced wines since its beginnings with Dr. John Lagan, an Irish doctor who arrived in 1968. Captivated by the region’s pioneering spirit, he and his wife, Eithne, planted the first vines in 1977 and named the property after the idyllic realm in Coleridge’s Kubla Khan. Today, 65 hectares of vines thrive on the original estate. Winemaker Glenn Goodall joined in 1999, uniting intuitive craftsmanship with deep respect for sustainably farmed vineyards—Xanadu is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia—to produce wines of real distinction. His leadership has earned top accolades, including Halliday’s “Best Winemaker of the Year, Australia 2023,” while the estate secured the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2018.

The Margaret River wine region, located in Western Australia’s southwest, is renowned for producing premium wines of exceptional quality. With a Mediterranean climate, it enjoys warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, providing consistent ripening conditions. Cooling afternoon sea breezes from the Indian and Southern Oceans help maintain acidity and extend the growing season, enhancing flavour complexity.

The region’s ancient soils are predominantly gravelly loams over clay, offering excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to sustain vines through summer. This combination supports balanced vine growth and concentrated fruit expression.

Margaret River’s signature grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon, alongside Merlot and Shiraz. Cabernet Sauvignon often displays cassis, blackberry, and fine tannin structure, while Chardonnay is typically elegant and refined, with flavours ranging from citrus and stone fruit to nutty, toasty notes from oak maturation. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends are vibrant and aromatic, offering tropical and citrus fruit with crisp acidity. Shiraz tends to be medium-bodied, with spicy red berry and plum characters.

Wine styles from Margaret River are celebrated for their purity of fruit, finesse, and age-worthiness. The combination of climate, soil, and skilled winemaking has established the region as one of Australia’s most respected and consistent producers of world-class wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely planted and celebrated red grape varieties, known for its deep colour, firm tannins, and remarkable ageing potential. Originating in Bordeaux, France, as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, it has become a global benchmark for structured, full-bodied red wines.

Viticulturally, Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy, late-ripening grape that thrives in warm, sunny climates. It produces small, thick-skinned berries, contributing to its bold tannic structure and deep colour. The vine is relatively resistant to disease and adapts well to diverse soils, making it suitable for a wide range of terroirs.

Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is planted extensively across the world—from its French homeland in Bordeaux’s Left Bank, to California’s Napa Valley, Chile’s Maipo Valley, Australia’s Coonawarra, and South Africa’s Stellenbosch. It often forms the backbone of blends, particularly in Bordeaux-style wines, but also shines as a varietal expression.

Flavour profiles typically include blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, mint, cedar, and tobacco, often developing notes of leather, earth, and spice with age. Styles range from fruit-forward and plush in warmer climates to structured and herbal in cooler ones. Cabernet Sauvignon’s power, elegance, and longevity make it a cornerstone of fine red winemaking worldwide.