The likelihood of being able to taste wines from legendary producer Wendouree outside Australia is close to zero. But I’m fortunate enough to have a Hungarian-born friend in Sydney who visits Budapest (where I live) every year and as he is a Wendouree-fan, he always brings a few bottles each time.

His last visit was just a few weeks ago, and this time he brought three bottles from 2023. The shiraz is the reference point for me, and if I recall the magnificent 2021 and 2019, then 2023 looks like a lesser vintage – although the wines are still truly great.

Wendouree Shiraz Malbec 2023

The house-style makes this appealing: it’s not oaky, not sweet, not ripe, but rather savoury and pure. Black cherries on the nose and some herbal notes. It has surprisingly good, natural-looking acidity and well-measured tannins with a pleasant grip. Unforced, well put together, it has freshness and perfect balance, too. Drinks well already. 94 points. ABV: 13,2% (!!).

Wendouree Shiraz 2023

Quite herbal, but also has some syrah-opulence, although it’s still quite savoury. While more serious than its Shiraz-Malbec sibling, the crisp acidity is not yet integrated and it’s a bit coarse on the palate. This needs time to resolve some edges, hold. Try in 2027. 94 points.

Wendouree Shiraz 24B 2023

A special bottling, made from a selected section of the shiraz block. Just like the regular shiraz, it’s still a bit unapproachable ATM, but it’s a more complex wine. Quite spicy, showing black pepper, allspice notes and also great freshness. It’s quite tight with crisp acidity and great, lovely tannins – it offers more enjoyment at this point compared to the shiraz, but again, it’s not ready yet. Hold until 2027. 95 points.

Other Wendouree wines reviewed on the blog: click here.