Few Australian wineries have the history and following of Wendouree. First planted in 1893, the estate's dry grown vineyards remain largely unchanged, with Tony and Lita Brady at the helm since 1974. Whilst the Clare Valley is better known for Riesling than Cabernet Sauvignon, Wendouree has quietly built a reputation for producing one of the country's more distinctive expressions of the variety, utilising their old untrellised bush-vine vineyard, high altitude and careful viticultural practices to produce deliciously ripe and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. Fiercely traditional in their approach, the Bradys favour minimal intervention in their winemaking style, with the Cabernet spending 12 months in French oak, around 25% of which is new.

Classic Aussie Cabernet in every sense, with cassis, blackberry and cherry backed by cedar, tobacco box and hints of fresh herbs. Firm, fine-grained tannins and excellent fruit concentration provide plenty of structure, with a delightfully long and savoury finish. Built with the structure that the cellar demands, this wine will be absolutely sublime in a decade or two.