The 2013 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro is a classic Clare Valley red from one of Australia's most revered cult wineries. Produced from historic dry-grown vineyards, this iconic blend showcases the remarkable synergy between old-vine Shiraz and Mataro, delivering a wine of depth, complexity, and exceptional longevity.
Established in 1893, Wendouree has earned legendary status among collectors through its unwavering commitment to traditional viticulture, minimal-intervention winemaking, and wines built for long-term cellaring. The estate's old vineyards, planted on Clare Valley's distinctive ironstone-rich soils, consistently produce wines of extraordinary concentration and character.
The highly regarded 2013 vintage provided near-perfect growing conditions throughout Clare Valley, allowing both varieties to achieve outstanding ripeness while retaining freshness and structure. Shiraz contributes rich dark fruit, depth, and power, while Mataro adds savoury complexity, spice, earthy nuances, and firm tannin structure.
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 has continued to evolve gracefully while preserving purity and freshness.
The bouquet reveals aromas of blackberry, black cherry, satsuma plum, and mulberry, layered with notes of black pepper, liquorice, dried herbs, ironstone, cedar, and subtle gamey complexity. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, concentrated and beautifully structured, displaying fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and impressive persistence. With over a decade of bottle age, the wine is beginning to reveal additional layers of savoury and tertiary complexity while retaining significant cellaring potential.
Drinking beautifully now with decanting, the 2013 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro will continue to evolve and reward collectors for another 15–20+ years.
Winery: A.P. Birks Wendouree
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Varieties: Shiraz & Mataro
Vintage: 2013
Style: Rich & Structured Red Wine
Closure: Screwcap
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, beef ribeye, venison, slow-braised short ribs, game meats, and mature hard cheeses.
