Wendouree Drinking Windows

[Bytown Rick]

When I last visited Australia, my new friend Adair was kind enough to introduce me to these wonderful wines. I have also added some to the mix, sourced locally. But I would appreciate your views on the drinking windows for the following. Are any past their best date, ready now, or hold?

Cabernet-Malbec 2001
Malbec 2006
Shiraz 2001
Shiraz-Malbec 2001
Shiraz-Malbec 2005
Shiraz-Mataro 2001

Thanks.

Rick

[Polymer]

All of them, IMO, are holds at least until 20 years after vintage...Not sure about the straight Malbec...

Depends on what you're looking for in Wendouree though...

[Bytown Rick]

Thanks Polymer. So I can safely hold all of them for 5 years or so? I like my wines on the mature side.

[ufo]

As Polymer said, hold for min 20 years but it is like Russian Rullet, u might be thrilled or totally disappointed.

[Polymer]

At least another 5...I'd try to go longer..

The way they're structured, I don't think there is any chance of falling apart by then...(I've never had an old straight Malbec from them so not sure about that but no reason to believe it would be different).

As ufo said though, sometimes they're fantastic and sometimes a bit disappointing...If you're ok with young Wendouree (older style) you probably won't find them disappointing, you'll probably just feel like it needs more time...

Of course I'm just making generalizations...

[Bytown Rick]

Thanks. Advice taken. Moved to the darkest corner of the wine cellar.

[Ian S]

Shouldn't Wendouree drinking windows forego the usual faux accuracy and simply be a choice between:
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Great Grandchildren

[rens]

Shouldn't Wendouree drinking windows forego the usual faux accuracy and simply be a choice between:
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Great Grandchildren
- Your own wake

Fixed

[crusty2]

When I last visited Australia, my new friend Adair was kind enough to introduce me to these wonderful wines. I have also added some to the mix, sourced locally. But I would appreciate your views on the drinking windows for the following. Are any past their best date, ready now, or hold?

Cabernet-Malbec 2001
Malbec 2006
Shiraz 2001
Shiraz-Malbec 2001
Shiraz-Malbec 2005
Shiraz-Mataro 2001

Thanks.

Rick

This thread may help you with drinking windows etc
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14792

cheers
Phill

[Polymer]

Shouldn't Wendouree drinking windows forego the usual faux accuracy and simply be a choice between:
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Great Grandchildren

Hahaha..that's why I say, if you don't like them young..for all of their awkwardness...then don't bother.

The recent vintages notwithstanding....You have to enjoy the structure because the fruit will be in the background with high acid, some acetic notes, very grippy tannins...If you like young Barolo, you'll probably be ok with these...

If you don't like them young, I just see no reason why you'd pack 20 years worth of cellaring on wines that MIGHT be good for you later on...I think after 20-25 years you increase your chances by a lot..but still I'd probably put that number at 30-40%.

[Hacker]

Wendouree is like the siren call, taunting many a wine drinker with promise of depth, strength and complexity. What may turn out is tannin, euyclipt and astringity. But occasionally may also present itself is brilliant smooth complex nirvana. I have had this on two occasions with a 1990 Cab Malbec, thanks Polymer, and a 1991 Shiraz I had acquired from release. They were both standout kick out renditions of what Wendouree will ultimately bestow on the lucky wine consumer with time to wait.

[Adair]

Hi Rick,
Long time. Great to hear from you.
Just sent you an email.
As I emailed, 2005 and 2006 are excellent years, while 2001 was a hot year. That said, every time I open a 2001, I am surprise how young they are. See here for tasting notes of a few of the 2001s:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14121&hilit=Wendouree&start=30#p119040
Kind regards,
Adair

[Bytown Rick]

Thanks Adair.