A few weeks back, the 2000 Wendouree Shiraz Malbec was profiled on these pages. Atypically for Wendouree, it was remarkably soft, friendly and forward. The straight Shiraz from the same year is in the same mould as the Shiraz Malbec, albeit more fruit driven in style.
At 11 years of age, Wendouree Shiraz is typically tightly wound in a corset of fine tannin. There’s no tannin to speak of here, the palate is wonderfully silky and polished. Notwithstanding its accelerated development (by Wendouree standards), there’s genuine quality here, reflected in the bouquet which is at one alluring and complex. While the palate mightn’t display the hallmark Wendouree intensity or ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’, it has real integrity and interest. What’s more, it’s immensely food friendly (rack of lamb in this instance). This is a Wendouree to enjoy while your 1996’s, 1998’s and 1999’s are slowly (at glacial pace) maturing.
2000 SHIRAZ
Producer: Wendouree
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2000
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
ABV: 13.7%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: N/a
Date tasted: 25 February 2012
Tasting Note:
Deep ruby fading slowly toward the rim. Lots going on here; cherry, plum, tar, asphalt, charcoal, tea tree and lavender. Still primary fruit driven, but the tannins have softened appreciably. Cherry/plum fruit leads the way, followed by charcoal (a product of terroir, not oak) and tar. Although this is a forward wine by Wendouree standards, there is genuine quality here. Drinking well now and should evolve further over the next 5-10 years.
Score: 17.5/20
At 11 years of age, Wendouree Shiraz is typically tightly wound in a corset of fine tannin. There’s no tannin to speak of here, the palate is wonderfully silky and polished. Notwithstanding its accelerated development (by Wendouree standards), there’s genuine quality here, reflected in the bouquet which is at one alluring and complex. While the palate mightn’t display the hallmark Wendouree intensity or ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’, it has real integrity and interest. What’s more, it’s immensely food friendly (rack of lamb in this instance). This is a Wendouree to enjoy while your 1996’s, 1998’s and 1999’s are slowly (at glacial pace) maturing.
2000 SHIRAZProducer: Wendouree
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 2000
Region: Clare Valley, South Australia
ABV: 13.7%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: N/a
Date tasted: 25 February 2012
Tasting Note:
Deep ruby fading slowly toward the rim. Lots going on here; cherry, plum, tar, asphalt, charcoal, tea tree and lavender. Still primary fruit driven, but the tannins have softened appreciably. Cherry/plum fruit leads the way, followed by charcoal (a product of terroir, not oak) and tar. Although this is a forward wine by Wendouree standards, there is genuine quality here. Drinking well now and should evolve further over the next 5-10 years.
Score: 17.5/20
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