Clare Valley Cabernet Malbec

Incredibly dense and dark in colour for its age - impenetrable - no tawny rim. Barb thought too medicinal and menthol. There is a note of menthol/eucalypt on the nose which is not unusual. I’ve always thought that Wendouree is a very masculine wine and this Cabinet Malbec reinforces that thought. Full bodied - such a solid core - not as nuanced as I was hoping for. Would easily go another 7 to 10 years I would think. Fine, sandy persistent tannins.

A strong menthol/eucalypt note on nose and palate. Amazingly youthful, virile and energetic for a 21 year old wine. Full bodied on the palate showing that minty eucalyptus and blackberry. Tannins still strong, persistent and a little granular. I’ve said this before with Wendouree that these wines show more regional characters than varietal specifics. Many of Wendouree’s Cuvées have this strong menthol/eucalypt character regardless of the varietal or blend. In summary very Australian and many more years ahead.

Still a deep Ruby for the age of 22 years. Stacks of Menthol on nose and palate - like a bag of mothballs. The menthol overpowers the cassis and dark chocolate. Still full bodied and powerful. Grainy tannins with medium length. An impressive experience but must admit I don’t admire Wendouree as much as some fans of the label. Would be easy to pick in any Cabernet lineup tasted blind.

This is just great
It doesn't disappoint my expectations ever
One of my favs vintage of this label between the youngish

Tired, past its peak, but still very complex and with an acceptable amount of acidity
I drank it over two days and I had aspected it to get oxidised at day 2 when it was a more enjoyable sip than the day before

Aromas of Iodine Earth Menthol/Eucalyptus, Bark of Medium plus Intensity. On the palate red and black savoury fruits which fill every corner of the mouth. A full bodied old school Australian Cabernet blend of amazing intensity coming from those ancient vines in the Clare Valley. Wendouree is an Australian vinous treasure which @Ceccherini Cristiano and I post about from time to time. The wine finishes with ultra fine persistent Tannins. I have not always been a fan of Wendouree (see previous Delectable notes) but this is an excellent wine. They probably need at least 15 years before they start to hit their straps.

Amazingly a deep dark ruby for its age. Trademark aromas of camphor/menthol. Fine sandy persistent tannins. A full bodied old fashioned Australian Red still going strong at 25 years of age and still with a future. Still fresh, strong and vibrant. Last of a Dozen. Much of the early plummy notes have morphed into something more savoury but the camphor notes remain and compliment the overall result and identity of the wine.

Another full bodied Wendouree from my brothers cellar. Nice and savoury with softening grainy Tannins and again the Eucalyptus kept in check. Don’t go near these Wendouree reds until at least 10 years from vintage.

Powerful aromas and flavours with grainy savoury tannins. These Wendouree Reds are built to last and I am starting to realise that they are best after 15 years. Certainly another 10 years in this one. Very Australian with Eucalypt/Menthol and earthy minerality - more savoury than fruit driven - not surprising at 17 years of age.

Black as the night in colour. Aromas of menthol and eucalypt but not as much as in its youth. Another wine where this is the last of 6 originally bought, and the best. Rich and full bodied. Tannins have softened but still with a good future. The message is that Wendouree Reds from these ancient vines in the Clare Valley need to be cellared for at least 10 years before opening the first one. Hard to get hold of even in Australia. People spend years waiting to get on the Mailing List and then bottles appear on the Auction market at much higher prices than Release. Sort of like the situation at Screaming Eagle but nothing like that expense. This is richer than usual with good concentration.