The 2000 vintage was relatively fine and mild with the grapes being harvested in excellent condition. Fruit for the 2000 Shiraz blend was picked from select vineyards in the Frankland and Margaret River Regions. Xanadu has identified the Frankland River region as a rising star with respect to the production of premium quality Shiraz. The intensity and elegance of fruit from Frankland River combined with the power and depth of the Margaret River components have married beautifully producing a worthy multi-Regional blend. The wine was vinified using a combination of modern and traditional techniques, and matured for 12 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barriques. The colour is a deep red with purple hues. The aroma shows fresh fruits of the forest and earthy tones, blackberries and violets combine with briary spices and chocolate/smokey oak characters. The wine is full bodied and rich. The blackberry and chocolate characters continue through on the palate also, where dark fruits and spice merge with supple tannins to produce a warm lingering finish. The generous palate and rich structure of this Frankland/Margaret River Shiraz will develop into a wine of great complexity, and will reward careful cellaring.