Wendouree Shiraz 2014
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.
The Wendouree Shiraz 2014 is an outstanding vintage that showcases the exceptional terroir of Clare Valley. On the nose, the wine impresses with its complex bouquet of dark blackberry, mulberry and licorice with a subtle blend of anise, pepper and oak spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a rich and silky texture that displays a perfect balance between the fruit and the elegant tannins. The flavors of cherry, dark chocolate and vanilla are beautifully integrated with the hints of leather, tobacco and earthy minerals, creating a long and satisfying finish. Overall, Wendouree Shiraz 2014 is a powerful and complex wine that would pair well with hearty dishes like beef tenderloin, roasted lamb or aged cheddar cheese.
The Shiraz is a very very good wine. I’m not crazy about the fly spray/menthol character on the nose, but putting that to one side, and moving on to the palate, the wine is an absolute blinder. It sits deep in the mouth then charges through, with perfect acidity, ripe and dense fruit, nutty toothsome tannin, and pure blackcurrant, plum and raspberry fruit surging on the long finish, like a freak wave. I’m not red hot on some of the smells, but the taste and structure of it is undeniably good. It’s 96 points, no worries, on the palate, and perhaps 94 to smell. Let’s do a deal. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 95 Points
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Clare Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2014
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.7%
Closure - Screw Cap