All were double decanted about 3 or 4 hours ahead of dinner, and we had them side by side but drank them right to left (starting with the mataro blend, ending on the straight shiraz and cab).

Wowser. In summary, although very hard to get your hands on, if you do get an opportunity to taste some Wendouree wines, do it. Super interesting insight to a more old school approach to making aussie wine.

Here are some stand out themes from the tasting:

The corks! All were pulled with ease, and they were pristine! The corks looked like they were from a 5 year old btl.

They all benefitted from further air once poured as the evening progressed, which wasn't unsurprising, however they all had plenty of life left. Especially the Mataro blend, which tasted incredibly youthful still.

The straight varietals use the grapes from slightly better plots and as result had more complexity and were showing more savoury notes, leather, smokiness and earth. All of the wines were very well balanced and everything was nicely integrated after 25 yrs in btl. This producers style (especially pre 2003) was geared to producing a lower abv wine compared to other aussie bombs. No ABV on any of the btls but it is around 13% and was very pleasant to not have alcohol over powering anything.

The mataro/mouvedre % is about 30% depending on vintage which i think gave it that young vibrant nose, and some heady liquorice notes too. The most polarising wine of the evening in terms of style.

The shiraz(s) all had characteristic spiciness, predominantly red fruit. The straight shiraz was my favourite of the evening as it had good depth and I am a sucker for Syrah!

All of the wines with cabernet sauce, had lots of heady eucalyptus, menthol, blackcurrant leaf. Along with plum and blackberry, leather too. Tannins very supple and suprisingly fine on the palate.

Slightly sore head this morning, as we started the evening with a lovely Franciacorte, sicilia Etna bianco blend, and finished with a Pantelleria. All delicious!