{"product_id":"1997-wendouree-cabernet-malbec-750ml","title":"1997 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 750ml","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"239\" data-end=\"683\"\u003eWendouree, founded in 1893 by Alfred Percy Birks in South Australia’s Clare Valley, is one of Australia’s most revered and enigmatic producers. The estate is celebrated for its century-old dry-grown vineyards, traditional winemaking methods, and unwavering focus on authenticity. Under the stewardship of Tony and Lita Brady, Wendouree has achieved cult status—its wines known for power, restraint, and extraordinary longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"1217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"697\"\u003eVineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"700\"\u003eThe \u003cem data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"721\"\u003eCabernet Malbec\u003c\/em\u003e blend is one of Wendouree’s most distinctive and age-worthy releases. The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards planted in 1898 on red-brown loam over limestone soils. These ungrafted, low-yielding vines produce intensely concentrated berries, resulting in wines of structure and purity. Fermentation takes place in open slate fermenters before maturation in a mix of new and seasoned French oak, bottled without fining or filtration—a hallmark of Wendouree’s minimal-intervention philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003eVintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1230\" data-end=\"1233\"\u003eThe 1997 vintage was a relatively cool and even year in the Clare Valley, following a wetter spring and mild summer. The longer ripening period produced wines of excellent balance, with precise fruit expression and firm tannin structure. The 1997 \u003cem data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1497\"\u003eCabernet Malbec\u003c\/em\u003e is a refined and classically proportioned vintage, offering complexity and restraint rather than overt power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"2188\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1628\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1631\"\u003eThe 1997 Wendouree \u003cem data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1667\"\u003eCabernet Malbec\u003c\/em\u003e displays a deep garnet hue with a faint brick edge. The bouquet opens with blackcurrant, mulberry, and cedar, intertwined with hints of graphite, dried herbs, and tobacco leaf. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet remarkably intense, showing cassis, plum, and savoury spice framed by firm, chalky tannins. The wine finishes long and dry, with classic Wendouree balance and understated strength. This vintage has matured beautifully, offering both elegance and the muscular definition that defines the estate’s style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2190\" data-end=\"2212\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2190\" data-end=\"2210\"\u003eCritics’ Acclaim\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2444\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2244\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2244\"\u003e96 points – \u003cem data-start=\"2227\" data-end=\"2242\"\u003eJeremy Oliver\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2245\" data-end=\"2290\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2290\"\u003e95 points – \u003cem data-start=\"2259\" data-end=\"2288\"\u003eHuon Hooke, The Real Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2444\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2293\" data-end=\"2444\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2293\" data-end=\"2320\"\u003eLangton’s Classification:\u003c\/em\u003e “Exceptional”\u003cbr data-start=\"2334\" data-end=\"2337\"\u003eHighly praised for its balance, fine tannins, and longevity—an archetype of Wendouree’s restrained power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2446\" data-end=\"2473\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2446\" data-end=\"2471\"\u003eTechnical Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2474\" data-end=\"2686\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2474\" data-end=\"2515\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2476\" data-end=\"2515\"\u003eRegion: Clare Valley, South Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2556\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2518\" data-end=\"2556\"\u003eVariety: Cabernet Sauvignon \u0026amp; Malbec\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2557\" data-end=\"2576\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2559\" data-end=\"2576\"\u003eAlcohol: ~13.5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2636\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2579\" data-end=\"2636\"\u003eMaturation: French oak (new and seasoned, 12–18 months)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2637\" data-end=\"2654\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2639\" data-end=\"2654\"\u003eClosure: Cork\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"2686\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2686\"\u003eDrinking Window: 2010–2045+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2994\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2709\"\u003eA Collectible Gem\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2709\" data-end=\"2712\"\u003eThe 1997 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec is a beautifully evolved expression of Clare Valley’s historic terroir. Harmonious, structured, and deeply evocative, it captures Wendouree’s hallmark blend of power and purity—an essential vintage for collectors of Australia’s most iconic reds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vic Liquors Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47060238860523,"sku":"SK62425281","price":200.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0780\/1022\/0779\/files\/1999WendoureeCabernetMalbec750ml.png?v=1763079658","url":"https:\/\/lionscellar.com.au\/products\/1997-wendouree-cabernet-malbec-750ml","provider":"Lion's Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}