Founded in 1893 by Alfred Percy Birks, Wendouree is one of Australia’s most esteemed and collectible wineries. Situated in South Australia’s Clare Valley, the estate is celebrated for its century-old vineyards, uncompromising winemaking, and wines that embody both power and purity. Under the care of Tony and Lita Brady, Wendouree continues to produce wines of extraordinary longevity—each vintage an authentic reflection of site and season.
Vineyard
The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Wendouree’s oldest dry-grown vines, planted in 1898 on red-brown loam over limestone soils. These ungrafted vines yield minuscule crops of berries with thick skins and immense concentration. Fermented in open slate fermenters and matured in a mix of new and seasoned French oak for 12–18 months, the wine is bottled without fining or filtration, remaining faithful to Wendouree’s minimalist and traditional approach.
Vintage
2015 was a superb vintage in the Clare Valley—warm and dry with perfect ripening conditions. The season produced small, intensely flavoured berries with ripe tannins and excellent natural acidity. The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the balance and precision of this exceptional year, showing both richness and restraint in perfect harmony.
Tasting Notes
The 2015 Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon opens with lifted aromas of cassis, blackberry, and cedar, layered with graphite, violet, and subtle earth tones. The palate is powerful yet composed, delivering concentrated blackcurrant, dark plum, and spice wrapped in fine, mineral-driven tannins. The texture is firm and linear, leading to an extraordinarily long, savoury finish. This wine is built for the long term—classically structured, elegant, and deeply expressive of Wendouree’s old-vine pedigree.
Critics’ Acclaim
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98 points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
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97 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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Langton’s Classification: “Exceptional”
Universally praised for its purity, depth, and monumental structure, the 2015 stands among the greatest modern vintages of Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon.
Technical Information
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Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
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Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Alcohol: ~13.5%
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Maturation: French oak (new and seasoned, approx. 12–18 months)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2030–2070+
A Collectible Gem
The 2015 Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterpiece of Australian winemaking—a wine of immense structure, precision, and quiet power. With its deep concentration and perfectly balanced tannins, it represents both the timeless Wendouree style and one of the finest expressions of Clare Valley Cabernet ever produced.
