Xanadu Exmoor Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

A relatively wet and windy spring affected flowering and fruit set, with the resulting yields slightly lower than normal. The growing season which followed was warm and dry with sometimes hot conditions around Christmas. Abundant Marri blossom kept bird pressure low early on, although vineyard teams were kept on their toes deterring birds late in the season. The warmer weather in the lead up to harvest saw flavour ripening accelerate with fruit retaining natural acidity and wonderful fresh aromatics. The whites picked at a frenetic pace however the weather cooled significantly during March which resulted in a hiatus in harvesting. The cooler conditions allowed time for the reds to achieve physiological maturity, culminating in great flavour and tannin ripeness when warmer weather returned in April. In summary, 2013 was another great Margaret River vintage. Fruit for this blend was predominantly Estate grown in the Wallcliffe sub-region of Margaret River, and was supplemented with a small portion (13%) of Cabernet selected from mature vineyard in the Frankland River region.