The 2018 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro is a highly sought-after Clare Valley red from one of Australia's most iconic and tightly allocated wineries. Produced from historic dry-grown vineyards, this classic Australian blend combines the richness and structure of Shiraz with the savoury complexity and longevity of Mataro, resulting in a wine of exceptional depth and ageing potential.
Established in 1893, Wendouree has achieved cult status among collectors through its unwavering commitment to traditional viticulture, old-vine fruit, and low-intervention winemaking. The estate's historic vineyards contain some of Australia's oldest plantings of Shiraz and Mataro, thriving on Clare Valley's distinctive ironstone-rich soils.
The excellent 2018 vintage delivered near-perfect growing conditions, producing fruit of remarkable concentration, balance, and tannin maturity. Shiraz contributes blackberry, plum, and dark cherry fruit, while Mataro provides spice, earthy complexity, floral lift, and structural backbone.
Traditional fermentation and maturation in French oak allow the vineyard character to remain the focus. Bottled under screwcap, the wine is built for long-term cellaring and will continue to develop complexity for decades.
The wine displays powerful aromas of blackberry, black plum, mulberry, and liquorice, layered with notes of black pepper, dried herbs, ironstone, cedar, and savoury spice. The palate is concentrated and structured, with dense fruit, fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and extraordinary persistence. While approachable with extended decanting, it remains youthful and tightly wound.
The 2018 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro is expected to reward patient cellaring over the next 25–35+ years.
Winery: A.P. Birks Wendouree
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Varieties: Shiraz & Mataro
Vintage: 2018
Style: Rich & Structured Red Wine
Closure: Screwcap
Food Pairing: Slow-roasted lamb, beef short ribs, venison, wild game, chargrilled steak, and mature hard cheeses.
