The 2017 Wendouree Shiraz Malbec is one of the most distinctive and highly sought-after wines produced by the legendary Clare Valley estate Wendouree. Combining old-vine Shiraz with Malbec from historic dry-grown vineyards, this iconic blend delivers remarkable concentration, structure, and complexity while remaining unmistakably Wendouree in style.
Established in 1893, Wendouree has earned cult status among Australian wine collectors through its unwavering commitment to traditional viticulture, minimal-intervention winemaking, and wines built for long-term cellaring. The estate's historic vineyards, planted on Clare Valley's renowned ironstone-rich soils, consistently produce wines of extraordinary character and longevity.
The excellent 2017 vintage provided ideal ripening conditions, producing fruit of exceptional balance and purity. Shiraz forms the backbone of the blend, contributing dark fruit richness, depth, and structure, while Malbec adds lifted aromatics, floral notes, colour intensity, and supple texture.
Produced using traditional fermentation methods and matured in French oak, the wine remains true to Wendouree's philosophy of allowing vineyard character to take centre stage. Bottled under screwcap, it is built for graceful long-term evolution.
The bouquet reveals aromas of blackberry, black cherry, satsuma plum, and mulberry, layered with notes of violet, black pepper, liquorice, dried herbs, ironstone, cedar, and earthy spice. The palate is concentrated and tightly structured, displaying impressive fruit intensity balanced by vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. While already showing considerable complexity, the wine remains youthful and will continue to evolve for many years to come.
As noted by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, the wine is built for extended cellaring and rewards patience, developing increasing complexity and refinement with age.
Awards, Ratings & Reviews
95 Points – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Tasted February 2020
"When to drink: 2021–2035"
90 Points – Barry Weinman
Published 11 October 2020
"Riper and a little bit of plum over the berry fruit. Taut and structured, with higher acidity, this is the most closed of the wines so far. Impressive, but not as approachable as the others are right now. Needs years."
Winery: A.P. Birks Wendouree
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Varieties: Shiraz & Malbec
Vintage: 2017
Style: Rich & Structured Red Wine
Closure: Screwcap
Drinking Window: 2021–2035+
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, dry-aged beef, venison, slow-braised short ribs, game meats, and mature hard cheeses.
