2002 Wendouree Shiraz 750ml

Minor Label Damage

Overview

The 2002 Birks Wendouree Shiraz is an exceptional mature expression of one of Australia's most revered and collectible Shiraz wines. Awarded 97 points by Jeremy Oliver and 96 points by James Halliday, this distinguished Clare Valley release combines remarkable intensity, concentrated blackberry fruit, beautifully integrated tannins and outstanding length. With more than two decades of bottle age, the 2002 vintage represents a rare opportunity to experience the power, elegance and longevity of historic Wendouree Shiraz.

Vineyard

Wendouree Shiraz originates from the estate's historic dry-grown vineyards in Clare Valley, South Australia, where some of the original Shiraz vines date back to 1893. These low-yielding old vines produce intensely concentrated fruit, contributing to the wine's distinctive depth, powerful structure and remarkable ageing potential.

Winemaking

Wendouree follows a traditional, restrained approach to winemaking, emphasising vineyard character and natural fruit concentration. Its established methods include open fermentation and maturation in oak, with careful management of tannins to preserve the structure, complexity and longevity for which the estate is renowned.

Critic Reviews

97/100 — Jeremy Oliver
“Long, firm and powerfully structured, its palate is saturated with intense small berry flavours over nuances of chocolate mint and menthol”
Tasted January 2003

96/100 — James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
“the tannins are already amazingly well-knit; blackberry fruit; beautiful line and length, and a great finish.”
Tasted 05 April 2007
Published 30 June 2021

Producer

A.P. Birks Wendouree is one of Australia's most iconic and sought-after wine estates, founded in the late 19th century in Clare Valley, South Australia. Renowned for its extraordinary old vines, dry-grown vineyards and uncompromising traditional winemaking, Wendouree produces small quantities of deeply concentrated, long-lived wines.

The estate is celebrated for its distinctive Shiraz, characterised by intense dark fruit, firm structural tannins and exceptional longevity. Its limited production, historic vineyard heritage and enduring reputation have established Wendouree among Australia's most collectible fine wines.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2002
• Producer: A.P. Birks Wendouree
• Wine: Shiraz
• Country: Australia
• Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
• Grape Variety: Shiraz
• Wine Style: Still Red Wine
• Sweetness: Dry
• Body: Medium to Full
• Alcohol: 13.7%
• Vineyard: Historic Wendouree Estate Vineyard
• Viticulture: Dry-grown, old vines
• Drinking Window: 2022–2032 (Jeremy Oliver)