XANADU Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Robert Parker Score: 94+ points

Reviewer: Erin Larkin — July 2024 Week 211 Jul 2024

Drink 2024–2036

The 2021 Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon hails from a potentially challenging year in Margaret River; it was incessantly wet but not all that cold, which led to mounting disease pressure in the vineyards. Vigilance was key, and I think there were many exhausted producers by the end of that harvest... So, here we have a spicy, fragrant, lightly framed thing, with dried mint and bay leaf, cassis and raspberry pip on the nose. As always, following producers is wiser than following regions or varieties, and we know that Glenn Goodall and Brendan Carr—although he has since moved on—both have a tight grip on all aspects of quality control at this estate. It inspires confidence. Inflections of burnt sugar, pomegranate molasses, tobacco, finely milled black and pink peppercorns, cocoa/malt and green olive brine comprise the personality of this wine. It's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon matured in French oak (40% new) for 14 months. This is a quiet, whispering iteration of this lovely wine, with a huge future in front of it. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.