Description
The Wendouree, crafted by Tony and Lita Brady, remains a true representation of its origins since the vines were first planted by Alfred Percy Birks in 1893.
Considered by many as one of Australia’s greatest Shirazes, this wine is made from low-yielding, beautifully formed old vines, many of which are from the original plantings.
The vineyard is managed with low-input viticulture and the winemaking process is laissez-faire, allowing the wine to truly speak of its place.
Wendouree wines are renowned for their exceptional quality and rich heritage, with the celebrated Wendouree Shiraz standing out as a true gem.
This wine is derived from the estate’s original 1893 plantings, believed to be genetic material from the original James Busby collection.
Located on an easterly ridge towards the northern edge of the Clare Valley, the unirrigated Wendouree vineyards have shallow, meagre soils with red loam over limestone.
The low-yielding old shiraz vines produce small berries with thick skins and a high seed content, resulting in a wine with exceptional depth and complexity.
Despite its reputation and heritage, there are remarkably few older bottles of Wendouree wines in circulation.
This can be attributed to the way the wines were sold until 1974, when they were sold in bulk and bottled and marketed by merchants, resulting in blended and single varietal shiraz wines being almost never seen.
Wendouree wines are a testament to the quality of the vineyards and the winemakers’ dedication to crafting exceptional wines.
The Wendouree Shiraz, in particular, showcases the unique terroir of the Clare Valley and the heritage of the original James Busby collection, making it a true standout among Australian wines.
The Clare Valley wine region is located in South Australia and is known for producing exceptional Riesling wines, as well as other varietals such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Chardonnay.
The region’s vineyards are planted on shallow, meagre soils with red loam over limestone, contributing to the unique terroir of the wines.
The climate is warm to hot in summers and cool in winters.
The region is divided into five districts, each producing distinct wine styles.
The Clare Valley has won countless international awards and is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
From 1893 and 1919 plantings.
Amazing history, and while I’m perhaps not the biggest flag waver for Australian (red) wines, by God we’ve got some treasures to be, erm, treasured.
Chocolate, coffee and a sweet earthiness, blackberry, mint, cedar and vanilla.
Pushing to full-bodied, deep and chewy, dark pools of fruit, stony minerals skipping across it, almost smoky and something like Kopiko in that sweet essence of coffee, acidity is firm but neatly tucked in, tannin sweeps wide grained and grainy on the finish.
A surprising richness to this release, yet it has energy and calm authority, brightness of raspberry in the aftertaste.
It pains me to rate a Shiraz as highly as Malbec or Cabernet, yet it must be done.
As an afterthought, not the finesse or elegance of the BDX wines, but it does throb and resonate.
– Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 96 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – Clare Valley, South Australia Vintage – 2016 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.8% Closure – Screw Cap
