We are thrilled to announce that our 2016 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy… in wine circles, this is a winemaker equivalent of a Gold Logie, a World Cup or The Ashes.

Winning this coveted award at the 2018 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards last night, our CEO & Group Winemaker Darren Rathbone said,

“Winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy is a huge honour, and it is fantastic to get the recognition with such a prestigious award.”

The immense pedigree of our Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon gleams over twelve excellent vintages, each shining as a testament to the passion and dedication of the winemaking team led by Glenn Goodall’s strong thirteen-year stand as our Chief Winemaker. Since Glenn’s first vintage at our helm, (and now with last nights win) our Cabernet Sauvignon label has amassed a staggering twenty-two trophies and thirty-seven gold medals at a succession of prestigious Australian wine shows.  With the iconic Jimmy Watson under its belt, Xanadu has cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s leading Cabernet producers.

The Jimmy Watson trophy is named in memory of Jim Watson, the founder and proprietor of the beloved namesake Melbourne wine bar in Lygon Street, Carlton. Responsible for introducing table wine to the Australian drinking palate in the 1930s, Jim is remembered as a figurehead in Australian wine history. Following his death in 1962, the Jimmy Watson trophy was established in memory of his enduring legacy, recognising the best one year in barrel reds. Decades on, the trophy is still viewed as the most coveted award in Australian wine.

This is an incredibly proud moment for not only Xanadu, but the region, as Xanadu is crowned the sixth Margaret River wine to take home the trophy!  Glenn said,

“We are absolutely stoked and extremely proud to be bringing the Jimmy back to Margs. It’s a testament to the hard work of the entire Xanadu team, our growers, and highlights the strength of the Margaret River region.”