2012 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 750ml

Producer: A.P Birks Wendouree

Vintage: 2012

Grape Variety: Shiraz/Mataro

Region: Australia

Sub Region: Clare Valley 

Critic tasting note: (2012 vintage) "Often the most approachable but deceptively long ageing in the family, this presents a real conundrum for collectors. It shows more generous immediate fruit on the nose with red berries and a core of Wendouree eucalyptus and leaves, a quintessential expression of place. The fragrance builds and blossoms with air. The palate has smooth seductive fruit flesh, red and blue berry flavours, as well as hints of slate and dark minerals. The balance is impeccable and a long flowing tannin frame is both muscular and caressing. Drink from 2018 or wait for a decade longer, this will drink best either when young or fully mature." - 97/100, James Suckling

Wendouree is an Australian producer, located in the Clare Valley of South Australia. Known for the elusiveness of its wines in the marketplace, the winery has cult status with the portfolio only released to an exclusive mailing list. The Wendouree property is more than 100 years old and its current owners, Tony and Lita Brady, have run the estate since 1974. The original stone winery at the estate is still used for production and Wendouree's 12 hectare (30 acre) vineyard is planted to old vine Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Mataro, and Muscat of Alexandria – most of which was planted in the late 1890s to early 1900s. The Wendouree vineyard is dry farmed and grapes are handpicked. In the winery, wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts in open-top, stainless-steel fermenters. Post-ferment, French oak barrels are sourced for aging for up to 12 months. The winery produces around 2000 cases annually of varietal and blended wines including Shiraz Mataro, Shiraz Malbec, and Cabernet Malbec.