Wendouree, founded in 1893 in the Clare Valley, is one of Australia’s most respected and collectible wine estates. Under the custodianship of Tony and Lita Brady, Wendouree continues to craft wines of purity, longevity, and restrained power from century-old dry-grown vines.
Vineyard
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Wendouree’s original vineyards, planted in 1898 on red-brown loam over limestone soils. These ancient, ungrafted vines yield tiny crops of intensely flavoured fruit. Fermented in open slate fermenters and matured in a combination of new and seasoned French oak, the wine remains unfiltered and unfined—a hallmark of Wendouree’s traditional craftsmanship.
Vintage
2016 was a near-perfect growing season in Clare Valley—warm, dry, and consistent. It produced wines of purity, balance, and effortless power. Wendouree’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is an archetype of the estate’s style: concentrated, tightly structured, and built for half a century of evolution.
Tasting Notes
Deep crimson with purple hues. The bouquet reveals cassis, blackberry, cedar, and graphite, complemented by subtle floral notes and fine oak spice. The palate is precise and powerful, with blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco framed by firm yet refined tannins. It finishes long, savoury, and perfectly poised—a classic Wendouree.
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”
A Collectible Gem
A monumental yet graceful Cabernet, the 2016 Wendouree shows superb harmony and depth. Built to last for generations, it epitomises Wendouree’s timeless style.
