Wendouree, founded in 1893 by Alfred Percy Birks in South Australia’s Clare Valley, is one of Australia’s most revered and enigmatic producers. The estate is celebrated for its century-old dry-grown vineyards, traditional winemaking methods, and unwavering focus on authenticity. Under the stewardship of Tony and Lita Brady, Wendouree has achieved cult status—its wines known for power, restraint, and extraordinary longevity.
Vineyard
The Cabernet Malbec blend is one of Wendouree’s most distinctive and age-worthy releases. The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards planted in 1898 on red-brown loam over limestone soils. These ungrafted, low-yielding vines produce intensely concentrated berries, resulting in wines of structure and purity. Fermentation takes place in open slate fermenters before maturation in a mix of new and seasoned French oak, bottled without fining or filtration—a hallmark of Wendouree’s minimal-intervention philosophy.
Vintage
The 1997 vintage was a relatively cool and even year in the Clare Valley, following a wetter spring and mild summer. The longer ripening period produced wines of excellent balance, with precise fruit expression and firm tannin structure. The 1997 Cabernet Malbec is a refined and classically proportioned vintage, offering complexity and restraint rather than overt power.
Tasting Notes
The 1997 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec displays a deep garnet hue with a faint brick edge. The bouquet opens with blackcurrant, mulberry, and cedar, intertwined with hints of graphite, dried herbs, and tobacco leaf. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet remarkably intense, showing cassis, plum, and savoury spice framed by firm, chalky tannins. The wine finishes long and dry, with classic Wendouree balance and understated strength. This vintage has matured beautifully, offering both elegance and the muscular definition that defines the estate’s style.
Critics’ Acclaim
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96 points – Jeremy Oliver
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95 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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Langton’s Classification: “Exceptional”
Highly praised for its balance, fine tannins, and longevity—an archetype of Wendouree’s restrained power.
Technical Information
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Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
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Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec
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Alcohol: ~13.5%
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Maturation: French oak (new and seasoned, 12–18 months)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2010–2045+
A Collectible Gem
The 1997 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec is a beautifully evolved expression of Clare Valley’s historic terroir. Harmonious, structured, and deeply evocative, it captures Wendouree’s hallmark blend of power and purity—an essential vintage for collectors of Australia’s most iconic reds.
