The 2019 Wendouree Shiraz is one of the most sought-after Australian Shiraz releases of recent years, produced by the legendary Clare Valley estate Wendouree. Combining old-vine intensity with remarkable balance and structure, this wine exemplifies the timeless Wendouree style that has captivated collectors for generations.
Established in 1893, Wendouree remains one of Australia's most revered cult wineries, producing small quantities of highly allocated wines from historic dry-grown vineyards. The estate's old Shiraz vines, planted on Clare Valley's distinctive ironstone and red clay soils, consistently yield fruit of exceptional concentration, complexity, and longevity.
The 2019 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest modern vintages in Clare Valley. Low yields, excellent fruit concentration, and outstanding tannin ripeness produced wines of remarkable intensity and ageing potential. For Wendouree, 2019 delivered a Shiraz of extraordinary depth, purity, and structure.
Traditional fermentation and maturation in French oak allow the vineyard character to remain the focus. As always, the wine was crafted with minimal intervention and bottled under screwcap to ensure long-term cellaring performance.
The wine opens with powerful aromas of blackberry, satsuma plum, black cherry, and mulberry, layered with notes of liquorice, black pepper, ironstone, dark chocolate, dried herbs, and subtle floral lift. The palate is concentrated and tightly structured, displaying exceptional fruit density balanced by vibrant natural acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins. Despite its power, the wine retains remarkable precision and elegance, leading to a long, savoury, and persistent finish.
Still youthful and tightly wound, the 2019 Wendouree Shiraz is built for the cellar and is expected to evolve magnificently over the next 30–40+ years. While approachable with extended decanting, patience will be richly rewarded.
Winery: A.P. Birks Wendouree
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2019
Style: Rich & Structured Red Wine
Closure: Screwcap
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, dry-aged beef, venison, braised short ribs, game meats, and mature hard cheeses.
