The 2014 Wendouree Shiraz Malbec is a classic expression of Clare Valley winemaking from one of Australia's most revered cult wineries. Produced from historic dry-grown vineyards, this highly sought-after blend combines the power and structure of old-vine Shiraz with the aromatic lift and complexity of Malbec, creating a wine of remarkable character and longevity.
Established in 1893, Wendouree has earned legendary status among collectors through its unwavering commitment to traditional viticulture, low-intervention winemaking, and wines built for extended cellaring. The estate's historic vineyards, planted on Clare Valley's distinctive ironstone-rich soils, consistently produce wines of exceptional concentration and regional identity.
The excellent 2014 vintage delivered ideal growing conditions throughout Clare Valley, producing fruit with outstanding ripeness, balance, and tannin maturity. Shiraz contributes layers of blackberry, black plum, and dark cherry, while Malbec adds violet perfume, colour intensity, and a supple richness that complements the wine's structure.
Traditional fermentation and maturation in French oak allow the vineyard character to remain the focus. As with all Wendouree wines, intervention is kept to a minimum, preserving the authenticity and age-worthiness that have become hallmarks of the estate. Bottled under screwcap, the wine continues to evolve while maintaining freshness and precision.
The bouquet reveals aromas of blackberry, mulberry, blackcurrant, and plum, intertwined with notes of violets, ironstone, cedar, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and savoury spice. The palate is concentrated and beautifully balanced, displaying fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and impressive persistence. Now with a decade of bottle age, the wine is beginning to reveal additional layers of complexity while retaining the structure for further development.
Drinking beautifully now with decanting, the 2014 Wendouree Shiraz Malbec will continue to reward collectors over the next 15–20+ years.
Winery: A.P. Birks Wendouree
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Varieties: Shiraz & Malbec
Vintage: 2014
Style: Rich & Structured Red Wine
Closure: Screwcap
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, beef ribeye, venison, braised short ribs, game meats, and mature hard cheeses.
