Wendouree, founded in 1893 in South Australia’s Clare Valley by Alfred Percy Birks, remains one of Australia’s most revered and enigmatic producers. Under the custodianship of Tony and Lita Brady, Wendouree continues to uphold a winemaking philosophy grounded in integrity, minimal intervention, and absolute site expression. Each vintage is a statement of purity and longevity—crafted from some of the oldest dry-grown vines in the country.
Vineyard
The Cabernet Malbec is drawn from Wendouree’s original estate plantings, including century-old vines established in 1898 on red-brown loam over limestone soils. These dry-grown, low-yielding vines produce fruit of remarkable depth, tannic structure, and mineral intensity. Fermented in open slate fermenters and matured in a mix of new and seasoned French oak, the wine is bottled unfiltered—an authentic reflection of both terroir and tradition.
Vintage
2019 was a low-yielding yet exceptional vintage across the Clare Valley, marked by warm, dry conditions and a mild harvest. While volumes were significantly reduced, the concentration and purity of the fruit were extraordinary. The resulting Cabernet Malbec is one of the finest of the modern era—dense, structured, and destined for decades of graceful evolution.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec shows a deep, saturated crimson colour. The bouquet is both powerful and refined, with aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry, cedar, and violet, complemented by hints of graphite, cocoa, and dried herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied and tightly coiled, revealing layers of dark fruit, savoury spice, and fine, persistent tannins. The finish is long, mineral, and poised, showcasing Wendouree’s signature combination of intensity and restraint.
Critics’ Acclaim
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98 points – The Wine Front (Gary Walsh)
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97 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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Langton’s Classification: “Exceptional”
Universally acclaimed for its purity, concentration, and balance, the 2019 is widely regarded as one of the standout Wendouree vintages of the decade.
Technical Information
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Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
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Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec
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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 2019 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec is a monumental Clare Valley classic—powerful, precise, and deeply evocative of its old-vine origins. A wine of profound structure and longevity, it stands as one of the defining Wendouree releases of the modern era and a must-have for serious collectors.
