Xanadu
Summary
Xanadu, established in 1977 and now owned by the Rathbone family, operates 135 hectares of vineyards across Margaret River's sub-regions, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grown in gravelly loam soils that benefit from cooling sea breezes. Under winemaker Glenn Goodall's leadership since 2006, the estate employs traditional methods including hand-harvesting, wild fermentation, and precise oak maturation while maintaining sustainable farming practices that preserve the region's distinctive character in their structured, elegant wines.
Heritage & Leadership
Xanadu was established in 1977 by Dr. John Lagan, an Irishman who selected a site in Margaret River, Western Australia, after recognizing the region's potential for premium viticulture. The name "Xanadu" was inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem about an idyllic, exotic paradise. In 2005, the winery changed hands when the Rathbone family, who also own Parker Coonawarra Estate and Yering Station, acquired the property and invested significantly in vineyard development and winemaking facilities.
Glenn Goodall has served as Senior Winemaker since 2006, bringing stability and a consistent approach to the winemaking program. Under his direction, Xanadu has received numerous accolades, including multiple Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophies at the Melbourne Wine Show (2018, 2016, and 2014). The winery's leadership team maintains a focus on expressing the distinctive characteristics of Margaret River through their wines while continuing to refine their approach to viticulture and winemaking.
Vineyards & Wines
Xanadu's estate encompasses approximately 135 hectares of vineyards spread across multiple sites in the Margaret River region. The primary estate vineyard surrounds the winery in the Wallcliffe sub-region, with additional vineyards in the Boodjidup Valley and Karridale areas. These diverse sites allow the winemaking team to work with fruit from different soil types and microclimates within the broader Margaret River GI.
The vineyards are predominantly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc, with smaller plantings of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. The maritime climate of Margaret River provides ideal growing conditions, with cooling afternoon sea breezes moderating the Mediterranean climate. Soils vary across the vineyards but generally consist of gravelly loams over clay subsoils in the Wallcliffe area, providing good drainage and moderate vigor.
The flagship wines include the Reserve Chardonnay and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside the Stevens Road single vineyard releases and the DJL series named for founder Dr. John Lagan. The Exmoor range represents their entry-level offerings, providing accessibility to the Margaret River style.
Philosophy & Practice
Xanadu's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention to allow the expression of vineyard character and regional typicity. For white wines, particularly Chardonnay, the team employs hand-picking, whole-bunch pressing, and fermentation in French oak barrels with wild yeasts. Their Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes careful berry sorting, with fermentation in a combination of static and open fermenters, followed by maturation in French oak barrels for 14-18 months.
The viticulture team implements sustainable farming practices throughout their vineyards, focusing on soil health and biodiversity. Canopy management techniques are tailored to each vineyard block, with particular attention to achieving optimal sun exposure and airflow. Harvest decisions are based on flavor development rather than solely on analytical measurements, with each vineyard block picked separately to capture optimal ripeness.
In the cellar, the winemaking team combines traditional techniques with modern technology, including optical berry sorting equipment for their premium red wines. This precision-focused approach extends to their barrel selection program, where specific coopers and forest sources are matched to different vineyard parcels and wine styles, reinforcing their commitment to quality and site expression.