Margaret River’s Xanadu Wines last week collected the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy thanks to their 2016 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon, named ‘Best Young Red Wine’ at the 2018 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards.
Considered the most sought after wine award in Australia, the trophy is a memorial to Jimmy Watson, who established the iconic Jimmy Watson's Wine Bar in Melbourne.
Founded in 1977, Xanadu Wines is the sixth Margaret River region winery to collect the Jimmy Watson Trophy.
Chief winemaker Glen Goodall said he and the team were thrilled to collect the award.
“We are absolutely stoked and extremely proud to be bringing the Jimmy back to Margs,” said Goodall.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of the entire Xanadu team, our growers, and highlights the strength of the Margaret River region.”
Xanadu’s team, also comprised of winemaker Brendan Carr and viticulturalist Suzie Muntz, set out to consistently craft expressive wines that brim with regional personality and varietal integrity.
Goodall emphatically describes each of Xanadu’s wines as simply “Margaret River in a glass”.
The winery was purchased by the Rathbone Wine Group in 2005 and CEO and group winemaker Darren Rathbone said the group was extremely proud of the achievements of their Cabernets over the years.
“Winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy is a huge honour, and it is fantastic to get the recognition with such a prestigious award,” he said.
“The Rathbone Wine Group was first attracted to Margaret River as a region because I love drinking Margaret River Cabernet and wanted to be involved in making this style of Cabernet.
"With the support of Glenn, Suzie and all the Xanadu team it is fantastic to see us reach such great accolades with a wine I personally love to drink.”
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon also took home a 2018 Royal Melbourne Wine Show trophy for Best Cabernet.
Previous Margaret River Jimmy Watson winners include:
2018 : Xanadu Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
2016 : Deep Woods Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
2010 : Harvey River Estate Joseph River Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
2008 : Flametree Wines Cabernet Merlot 2007
1984 : Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1983
1983 : Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1982
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
