Wine Article
2016 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon
Last edited on 4/18/2019 by LindsayM
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VITICULTURE VARIETAL Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) Malbec (5%) Petit Verdot (3%) VINTAGE 2016 REGION Margaret River
GROWING CONDITIONS
The 2016 growing season began with an early budburst after a relatively mild winter with reasonable rainfall. The beautiful spring weather which followed which led to good flowering/ fruit set and improved yields for most varieties in the region. Fine, warm weather during summer saw sugar accumulation accelerate quickly in the whites, until a significant rain event mid-January stalled the ripening process until the fine weather returned soon after. While the unusual January rain did present some challenges in the vineyard, it was certainly welcomed by the reds which were just beginning veraison. The warm, dry weather throughout February was fantastic, ensuring the whites achieved flavour ripeness and enabling the reds to attain flavour and tannin ripeness at full physiological maturity.
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR Deep red with purple hues.
NOSE The wine offers vibrant, characteristic aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries and Satsuma plums, with lovely floral elements and hints of mocha chocolate, cinnamon and spice.
PALATE Full-bodied yet refined, the lively palate offers a core of inky forest fruits, boysenberries and blackcurrant pastilles framed by understated cedar/spicy oak. The wine has a wonderful density, is well structured and layered with plump, jubey fruits, ripe tannins and a lingering Cabernet finish.
WINEMAKING
ALCOHOL 14% BOTTLE SIZE 750 mL PH 3.5
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fruit was crushed/destemmed before predominantly small batch fermentation in a combination of static and open fermenters. Fermentation takes 7-8 days @ 24 – 26°C, during which the cap is managed using a combination of aerative pumping over as well as regular plunging by hand. After fermentation about a quarter of the components experienced a period of extended maceration, being left on skins for 4 weeks before a very gentle pressing. MLF takes place in a combination of tank and barrel. The wine was matured for 12 months in French oak (40% new barriques) before the blend was assembled.
GROWING CONDITIONS
The 2016 growing season began with an early budburst after a relatively mild winter with reasonable rainfall. The beautiful spring weather which followed which led to good flowering/ fruit set and improved yields for most varieties in the region. Fine, warm weather during summer saw sugar accumulation accelerate quickly in the whites, until a significant rain event mid-January stalled the ripening process until the fine weather returned soon after. While the unusual January rain did present some challenges in the vineyard, it was certainly welcomed by the reds which were just beginning veraison. The warm, dry weather throughout February was fantastic, ensuring the whites achieved flavour ripeness and enabling the reds to attain flavour and tannin ripeness at full physiological maturity.
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR Deep red with purple hues.
NOSE The wine offers vibrant, characteristic aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries and Satsuma plums, with lovely floral elements and hints of mocha chocolate, cinnamon and spice.
PALATE Full-bodied yet refined, the lively palate offers a core of inky forest fruits, boysenberries and blackcurrant pastilles framed by understated cedar/spicy oak. The wine has a wonderful density, is well structured and layered with plump, jubey fruits, ripe tannins and a lingering Cabernet finish.
WINEMAKING
ALCOHOL 14% BOTTLE SIZE 750 mL PH 3.5
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fruit was crushed/destemmed before predominantly small batch fermentation in a combination of static and open fermenters. Fermentation takes 7-8 days @ 24 – 26°C, during which the cap is managed using a combination of aerative pumping over as well as regular plunging by hand. After fermentation about a quarter of the components experienced a period of extended maceration, being left on skins for 4 weeks before a very gentle pressing. MLF takes place in a combination of tank and barrel. The wine was matured for 12 months in French oak (40% new barriques) before the blend was assembled.