James Halliday 96 Points — A Clare Valley Icon from One of Australia's Most Revered Estates

My Wine Man on Wendouree

Wendouree is not a winery you stumble upon — it is one you seek out, and once found, never forget. Nestled in the southern Clare Valley, this historic estate has been producing wines of extraordinary character since 1895. With dry-grown vines planted as far back as 1919, Wendouree's tiny production is the stuff of legend: farmed with minimal intervention, vinified with old-school conviction, and released only when the wines are ready. There are no shortcuts here, no concessions to fashion. Wendouree makes wines that are unmistakably themselves — structured, long-lived, and deeply expressive of one of Australia's most gifted wine-growing corners.

Tasting Notes

A 68/32% blend drawn from the 1975 Central, 1920 Eastern, and 1989 Western Vineyards, this Cabernet Malbec is a masterclass in Clare Valley terroir. Deep crimson in the glass, it opens with wonderfully juicy aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, dried herbs, and a whisper of ironstone minerality. The palate is medium-bodied yet intensely concentrated — a hallmark of Wendouree's style — with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and flavours of cassis, mulberry, and subtle earthy spice. The finish is long, precise, and utterly compelling. For close on a century, the symbolic link between cabernet and malbec has expressed itself in unique fashion in this God-given secluded corner of the Clare Valley. James Halliday 96 Points.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and excellent natural acidity. This wine is drinking beautifully now but has the structure and concentration to evolve gracefully through to 2035+. Decant for at least 60–90 minutes to allow the wine to fully open and reveal its complexity.

Food Pairing

The structured elegance and dark fruit intensity of the 2016 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec make it a perfect match for Australian Great Southern Lamb Cutlets from My Meat Man. The wine's cassis, earthy spice, and fine tannins complement the tender, richly flavoured cutlets beautifully — whether grilled over charcoal with a herb crust, pan-seared with rosemary and garlic butter, or slow-roasted with a red wine jus. It also pairs wonderfully with aged hard cheeses and beef dishes such as a slow-braised short rib or a classic roast.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

Wendouree is one of Australia's most allocation-driven, cult-status producers — bottles rarely appear on the secondary market, and when they do, they command a significant premium. At HK$999, this 2016 Cabernet Malbec represents exceptional value for a 96-point wine from a producer with a century of pedigree. Comparable icon-level Australian reds from estates with similar reputations regularly trade at HK$1,500–HK$2,500+. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Australian wine history.

Looking for a Different Style?

- 2018 Grosset Gaia Clare Valley Cabernet Blend — a polished, aromatic Clare Valley Cabernet blend from one of the region's most celebrated names
- 2017 Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz — a powerful, full-bodied Clare Valley Shiraz with dark fruit depth and exceptional cellaring potential
- 2020 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon — a benchmark Margaret River Cabernet of great elegance, structure, and regional character

Life's too short for bad wine.