Western Australia’s Xanadu 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon has won the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show at the 2026 National Wine Show of Australia.
The National Wine Show of Australia is regarded as the ultimate stage for wine excellence. Only wines that have already won medals at the nation’s capital city wine shows are invited to compete — a competition reserved for the very best, judged by some of the most respected palates in the country.
Western Australia’s Margaret River region took out the top three trophies at the awards. Xanadu edged out its regional neighbour Evans & Tate’s 2023 Single Vineyard Chardonnay for the coveted prize.
To compete for the top award, Xanadu and Evans & Tate had earlier secured the James Halliday Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show and the Len Evans Memorial Trophy for Best White, respectively.
Chair of Judges Matt Harrop said: “We’ve long known Xanadu makes incredible cab sav, and this one didn’t have a hair out of place.
“It kept getting good scores, from the first round through to the cabernet trophy then the red wine of show and finally the PM’s award.”
Xanadu Senior Winemaker Glenn Goodall said: “I’m stoked, and at the same time astounded! To win an eleventh Cabernet trophy at the National Wine Show is quite hard to fathom. This achievement alone is incredibly rewarding given the pride we take in our Cabernets but also receiving the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show is the icing on the cake, especially given the importance of the National Wine Show.
“A massive thanks to all of our growers, particularly those who have been growing incredibly good Cabernet for Xanadu for many years. This result is another great achievement for the Margaret River region and is amazing recognition for the entire Xanadu team.”
The win follows the 2023 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon being named the world’s top-ranked red wine at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Awards. Of more than 12,000 wines tasted worldwide, only three received a score of 98 points. Xanadu’s 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon was the only red wine to achieve this distinction.
Fogarty Hall Fine Wine Estates said: “This year, Evans & Tate has once again been recognised among Australia’s leading producers. It’s an outstanding result for Margaret River, and a fitting tribute to the 2023 vintage — a standout year for the region’s Chardonnay.
“While the 2023 vintage has now sold out, its success continues to shape what comes next. Since 2018, the Single Vineyard Chardonnay has earned 24 Gold Medals and three Trophies, placing it among Australia’s finest Chardonnays.”
National Wine Show Chair Andy Gregory said this year’s National Wine Show winners’ list once again debunked the myth that to drink quality wine you have to pay a premium price.
“The fact that seven of this year’s trophy winners can be purchased for around $30 or less is proof that the best wines in Australia can also be very affordable,” he said.
View all the trophy winners here.