The Auswine Forum

Over the years, I have acquired a few bottles of Wendouree wines, some through visits to Australia (thanks Adair), others from a local cellar. But I have yet to try one.

I know that they have the reputation for requiring a lot of age before they show their best, and would appreciate your views on appropriate drinking windows. The ones I have are:

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

Thanks.

Rick

I would suggest 05 and 06 could be fine to drink now or anytime in next 10+ years, with a few hours decant. But I'd be leaving the 2001's for another 5 years or more, it's a fairly gruff tannic vintage from others notes and the few I've had.

I'd say the Shiraz 2001s are probably ok to drink...the straight Shiraz will go for a lot longer..as will the Cab Malbec..."best" will depend on how you like your wine...

If you only have one of each..I'd do the straight shiraz in about 3-4 years and the Cab Malbec in 6-7..

Thank you. I do prefer my reds on the older side. Some would say approaching their "death bed" .

Rick

Bytown Rick wrote:Thank you. I do prefer my reds on the older side. Some would say approaching their "death bed" .

Ah, well then, I expect they're still too young.

Mahmoud.

I dunno..depends on what people consider their death bed...You'd need to describe that in a bit more detail or provide a frame of reference.

Eg. Older wines as in 1950-1960 Bordeaux or 70s Napa Cab...

Assuming that....You have 15+ years on most of those...although I'd probably do the Shiraz Malbecs first...and the Cab Malbec last...

I recall trying my early 90’s Wendouree with much excitement . They were 10 years old . I decanted and left in a unused bedroom fireplace , to keep at below room temp, in a Barossa cottage . Three days in a decanter it took to pry open the wines.

If had older wines prior but these the first of my stash . Personal journey but if well cellared no hurry .