Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Review: Better on Its Own Than at the Table
The Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 carries the expectation of Margaret River precision. The brand positions its wines around energy, harmony, and a strong sense of place. At this level, you anticipate structure, restraint and a clear sense of regional identity. We approached it in two stages, first in the glass on its own, then alongside a simple dinner of steak, chips and salad, to see whether it would open up or tighten under pressure.
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Vintage: |
2022 |
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Region: |
Margaret River, Western Australia |
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Varietal: |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
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ABV: |
14% |
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RRP: |
~$37–$45 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
Deep red at the core with a noticeable purple concentration through the middle, shifting to a more red-toned rim. Clear, with no signs of browning, suggesting a youthful profile.
Legs are thin and fall quickly; the wine does not read especially weighty despite its 14% ABV.
Aroma / Nose
French oak leads on first impression. Fruit sits beneath it, restrained but present, leaning toward fresh berries rather than anything jammy or stewed.
A faint dusty, graphite note runs alongside the oak, adding a savoury edge. The fruit remains held back rather than fully expressive.
Palate / Taste
The palate opens more generously than the nose suggests. Dark berry notes lead the entry, creating an initial sense of balance.
That generosity does not carry through. As the wine moves into the mid-palate, its firmer frame takes over. There is a warming sensation through the throat, with some retro-nasal heat, and tannins grip across the cheeks and gums. Bitterness and acidity begin to override the fruit toward the finish.
There is still enough variation to hold interest in the glass, preventing it from feeling flat, even as the structure asserts itself.
Finish
The finish leaves a firm grip across the cheeks, with lingering dark fruit sitting behind it. More drying than expansive, with bitterness becoming part of the lasting impression.
Food Pairing
We tested this across steak, chips and a simple salad with olive oil and salt to see how the profile shifted.
Porterhouse steak: Fat and salt bring some fruit forward, but the wine becomes firmer overall, with structure taking the lead.
Potato fries: Fruit recedes further, while bitterness becomes more pronounced across the tongue. The balance feels less composed in this setting.
Salad with olive oil and salt: The wine does not soften here. Instead, the bitterness shifts toward the sides of the tongue, giving a more angular impression.
Across all pairings, the wine does not open up. It tightens, with fruit pulling back as the tannin and acidity take control.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Not for us.
The Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 shows intent. There is clear structure, defined oak, and enough variation to hold attention in the glass.
But it never fully comes together. The palate tightens too quickly, bitterness edges in where balance is needed, and with food, the wine becomes more rigid rather than more complete.
At this level, you start to look for either harmony or adaptability. This doesn’t quite deliver either.
We finished the bottle, but it is not one we would return to.
Better on its own, but not enough to revisit.
Editor’s Note
Independent reviews of the Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 consistently highlight its structure, concentration and ageing potential, often describing it as a classic Margaret River expression.
Our tasting aligned with that structural profile, particularly the firm tannins and defined oak, but leaned less toward balance and integration in the glass, especially when paired with food.
Adrian, Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
