The Auswine Forum

Interesting comments on the Pressings. I wonder if I appreciated the wine as it very similar to traditional Barolo from the 80’s- the envelope of acceptance being pushed and to some the style may be so rusty it’s borderline oxidative.

I had a 2011 Wendouree Malbec in Nebbiolo fashion over four days. No oxidation by last day- though it not far off! Elegant style, reminded me of the higher parts of Mendoza, with firm structure easing over the three nights. Despite the vintage, this is a world class expression of Malbec. Five years should see it in good shape. Screw cap seems to be providing a quality seal.

took a couple of cases to the snow last week. Amongst them, a few Aussie shiraz that had been collecting dust for decades in the cellar.

1998 Wendouree Shiraz
Lots of sediment, but OK after four days upright. Prunes and blackberry jam, a bit of anise. Dusty tannins poked thru, and a clipped finish. Ordinary, and served with the main of lamb, this was destroyed by a Baileys 1920's Block from the same vintage. Part of a dinner for five, lots of wine, this was the only bottle not finished. If pressed, I'd rate this about 86pts.
I have a further 5-6 bottles left, I'll try again soon to see if this was an off-bottle, but it had no detectable faults.

Felix, about to do a Wendouree inventory, have a dozen of the 98s. There is a guy in Adelaide who has the biggest collection on the globe...locals will know who I am referring to, who has told me he will buy every bottle. Question is whether he will match market rates, no commissions charged though.
Cheers Craig

Some CT notes read like your experience Felix whilst others glowing. It’s either palate preferences or horrible variation under cork.

I thought the wine really good young ( needing time ) then had it a decade ago where I thought it very primary ( blackberry ) and lacked the nuance I like ( ferrous-iron lavender mint etc )

Flog them off in Hong Kong. I get phone calls every few months asking me to help source them.

whilst I'm not a huge Wendouree fan, my suspicion is that the bottle showing was due to the vagaries of cork, although I can't define an obvious fault. I know I've had the exact wine before, but I can't recall it. (in those days, I used to get a 3-4 dozen lots of 3-4 different wines, it sounds like the allocations have changed since then!!!)
as I said, I'll take another for a run sometime soon and see how this second showing is.

as for selling, I'd rather not. Even though I rarely drink Aussie shiraz anymore, it doesn't sound like these wines are going to fall over anytime soon, so I might as well let sleeping bottles lie!!!!

98’s in a good place now. Took some time but we are here! Cab Malbec stunning. Shiraz Mataro like an old Barolo in flavour profile. Shiraz excellent and Cabernet unique. Shiraz Malbec showing a lot of complexity.

JamieAdelaide wrote: ↑Fri Mar 07, 2025 12:42 pm 98’s in a good place now. Took some time but we are here! Cab Malbec stunning. Shiraz Mataro like an old Barolo in flavour profile. Shiraz excellent and Cabernet unique. Shiraz Malbec showing a lot of complexity.

Unfortunately, the 1996 Cabernet Malbec and Shiraz Mataro I opened recently did not show well. Both seemed past it / declining, although there were signs of very good wines lurking underneath.

That’s a bugger. Been happy with my 96’s though I only have a mixed case. Cellared perfectly since release and not auction buys, helps the 10% + not ruined to scalped by cork.

I’ve had a few 98 Wendouree Shiraz Malbecs and when I opened the recent bottle, I nosed it and it was porty and a little oxiditive. Bugger! Due for a loss. Anyways popped in a decanter and it came alive with clean black fruits, alpine menthol, truffle and earth. Complex herbs too. It was like a Borgogno Barolo from the mid 90’s I had last month/ of course the structure different- yet the fruit profile and harmony similar.