2017 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 750ml

The 2017 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro is one of Australia's most coveted and collectible red blends, produced by the cult Clare Valley estate Wendouree. Combining old-vine Shiraz with Mataro from historic dry-grown vineyards, it delivers remarkable concentration, structure, and longevity. The outstanding 2017 vintage produced a wine of exceptional balance and precision, widely regarded as one of the strongest Wendouree releases of the decade.

Established in 1893, Wendouree has earned legendary status among Australian wine collectors through its unwavering commitment to traditional viticulture, minimal intervention winemaking, and wines built for decades of cellaring. The estate's historic vineyards contain some of Australia's oldest plantings of Shiraz and Mataro, grown on ironstone-rich soils in the Clare Valley.

The exceptional 2017 growing season provided ideal ripening conditions, allowing both varieties to achieve outstanding flavour concentration while retaining freshness and natural acidity. Shiraz contributes depth, dark fruit intensity, and structure, while Mataro adds savoury complexity, spice, earthy nuances, and additional tannin backbone.

Fermentation was carried out using traditional methods before maturation in French oak. As with all Wendouree wines, the emphasis remains firmly on vineyard expression rather than winemaking intervention. Bottled under screwcap, the wine is designed for long-term cellaring and preservation of freshness.

The wine displays intense aromas of blackberry, satsuma plum, black cherry, and mulberry, layered with notes of black pepper, dried herbs, liquorice, ironstone, earth, and subtle gamey complexity. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, tightly structured, and remarkably concentrated, with fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and exceptional persistence. While already impressive, the wine remains youthful and tightly wound, promising decades of evolution.

Approachable with extended decanting, the 2017 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro is built for the long haul and will reward patient cellaring over the next 25–35+ years.

Winery: A.P. Birks Wendouree
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
Varieties: Shiraz & Mataro
Vintage: 2017
Style: Rich & Structured Red Wine
Closure: Screwcap

Food Pairing: Slow-roasted lamb shoulder, beef short ribs, venison, game meats, chargrilled steak, and mature hard cheeses.