Xanadu wins top gong

Margaret River-based Xanadu Wines has claimed the coveted Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, which were held last night.

Xanadu’s 2016 cabernet sauvignon was named ‘best young red wine’, which is considered the most prestigious wine award in Australia.  

“Winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy is a huge honour, and it is fantastic to get the recognition with such a prestigious award,” Xanadu chief executive Darren Rathbone said.

Xanadu was established by John Lagan, with the first vines planted in 1977.

Following a period of expansion, the business listed on the ASX in 2001, before being purchased by the Rathbone family in 2005.

Glenn Goodall has been Xanadu’s chief winemaker since 2006, with the producer having won 22 trophies for its Cabernet sauvignon in that time.

Mr Goodall said it was a proud moment.

“We are absolutely stoked and extremely proud to be bringing the Jimmy back to Margs,” he said.

“It’s a testament to the hard work of the entire Xanadu team, our growers, and highlights the strength of the Margaret River region.”

Other recent winners from Western Australia include Deep Woods Estate in 2016 and Harvey River Estate in 2010.

The news comes after Great Southern producer Duke's Vineyard and Deep Woods' Julian Langworthy topped the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion Awards in Melbourne, while Howard Park and Frankland Estate recently won Gourmet Traveller awards.