Founded in 1893 by Alfred Percy Birks, Wendouree is one of Australia’s most revered and collectible producers. Based in South Australia’s Clare Valley, the estate is famed for its dry-grown, century-old vineyards and uncompromising dedication to traditional winemaking. Under the custodianship of Tony and Lita Brady, Wendouree continues to craft wines of unmatched integrity, balance, and longevity.
Vineyard
The Malbec is one of Wendouree’s rarest and most distinctive bottlings, sourced from old vines planted in 1898 on red-brown loam over limestone soils. These ungrafted, dry-grown vines yield minuscule quantities of intensely concentrated fruit. Fermentation occurs in open slate fermenters, followed by maturation in a mix of new and seasoned French oak for 12–18 months. The wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve purity and texture—a hallmark of Wendouree’s craftsmanship.
Vintage
The 2017 vintage in the Clare Valley was cooler and later than usual, following good winter rains and a mild growing season. The result was a vintage of finesse and balance, with wines showing lifted aromatics, fine tannins, and a restrained structure. Wendouree’s 2017 Malbec captures this elegance beautifully—refined yet deeply expressive.
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Wendouree Malbec displays a deep garnet colour with purple hues. The nose is vibrant and perfumed, showing notes of blackberry, violet, cedar, and graphite, alongside hints of cocoa and earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied and seamlessly structured, with pure dark fruit, spice, and minerality framed by firm yet silky tannins. The finish is long, focused, and savoury, offering both immediate charm and profound ageing potential.
Critics’ Acclaim
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97 points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
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96 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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Langton’s Classification: “Exceptional”
Lauded for its purity, floral intensity, and refined structure, the 2017 Malbec is considered one of the standout examples of this variety in Australia.
Technical Information
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Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
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Variety: 100% Malbec
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Alcohol: ~13.5%
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Maturation: French oak (new and seasoned, 12–18 months)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2025–2065+
A Collectible Gem
The 2017 Wendouree Malbec is an extraordinary expression of old-vine Australian heritage—powerful yet refined, structured yet graceful. Combining purity, precision, and profound depth, it stands as one of the most captivating modern releases from this legendary Clare Valley estate.
