Wendouree, established in 1893 by Alfred Percy Birks, stands as one of Australia’s most iconic and collectible wine estates. Based in the Clare Valley, the estate is renowned for its century-old, dry-grown vineyards and uncompromisingly traditional approach. Under the stewardship of Tony and Lita Brady, Wendouree continues to craft wines of purity, balance, and extraordinary longevity—each vintage a reflection of timeless craftsmanship and place.
Vineyard
The Malbec bottling is one of Wendouree’s most limited and characterful wines, sourced from the estate’s historic vineyards planted in 1898. These ungrafted, low-yielding vines grow on red-brown loam over limestone, producing fruit of remarkable depth, intensity, and structure. Fermentation occurs in open slate fermenters before maturation in a mix of new and seasoned French oak, bottled without fining or filtration to preserve authenticity.
Vintage
The 2022 vintage in the Clare Valley was defined by moderate warmth and a long, even growing season, yielding fruit of exceptional purity and aromatic precision. The resulting wines are finely structured, vibrant, and classically balanced—a return to elegance after several powerful preceding vintages.
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Wendouree Malbec reveals a deep crimson colour with violet highlights. Aromas of blackberry, mulberry, and dark plum intertwine with floral notes, graphite, and subtle cedar spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied and impeccably balanced, showcasing pure black fruit, savoury minerality, and refined tannins. The finish is long and focused, lingering with poise and freshness—a hallmark of the great Clare Valley years.
Critics’ Acclaim
(Early assessments suggest 2022 as one of the standout recent vintages for balance and purity, consistent with Wendouree’s hallmark style.)
Expected to age gracefully for half a century, revealing increasing complexity and depth over time.
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: 2028–2070+
A Collectible Gem
The 2022 Wendouree Malbec is a wine of elegance, precision, and quiet intensity. Expressing the depth of century-old vines and the grace of a perfectly balanced vintage, it stands as a modern classic—deeply expressive, timeless, and destined for the cellar.
