2006 Wendouree Shiraz

Community Tasting Notes (9) Avg Score: 93.9 points

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  4/7/2023 - Dr S wrote:

  For mine, the 2006 is one of the top three Wendouree Shiraz vintages of the 2000s. The 2002 and 2004 are the other two, although the surprisingly regal 2008 challenges and the 2009 makes the case for a more elegant expression (and one where being under screwcap does many favours, as we shall see shortly).
  
  Amid many bloody good wines (the thrilling pair of new Rockford Rieslings living up to the hype of the 2022 vintage, a lovely poised 2012 Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier etc), this was supposed to be the Easter highlight. After the powerful 2006 Malbec (that rose above a leaky cork) last weekend and imposing Shiraz Malbec last year, expectations were high.
  
  And yet. On opening, an oak hit was the first note to appear. Savoury, seasoned, not sweet or creamy, but apart from a walnut character not Wendouree. Not the usual fruit leading the wood or coal dust or iron or gum. Nor cocoa dusting in the rare instances where oak shows in younger Wendouree. Some deep dark fruit lurked somewhere within. Later a pleasing salty flavour emerged, but over three nights the fruit failed to kick in to compensate.
  
  Despite that, the nose had an inviting mellowness. As hard as I tried or wanted to, I couldn't embrace the palate. It seemed oak grainy - not skin or seed tannin grainy - even drying.
  
  The 2004 Shiraz also didn't live up to expectations, but it displayed ripe boisterous fruit, with rumours of oxidation suggesting cork malpractice. The cork looked good on opening the 2006 but I can't help think corky voodoo must have been at fault. Other TNs speak of a riper, fruit-driven wine. This bottle seemed atypical.
  
  If served blind, I would have picked it as an older Sth Australian grandee. Not my thing but pretty good. I took a tip from a CTer who suggested the 06 Shiraz Malbec responded well in a Riedel burgundy glass. I normally use the burg shape for only cool climate Shiraz, not warmer styles. But this wine looked best out of the burgundy. It seemed to smooth the palate's texture and fill any gaps from the oaky dryness.
  
  I still have faith in this vintage, and Wendouree's potent longevity. A verdict can only be arrived at after another bottle, perhaps with the 2002 and 2004 for comparison.

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  11/24/2021 - nwebstar Likes this wine: 95 Points

  My first Wendouree Shiraz and didn’t disappoint. Outshone Rockfords in its freshness and structure. Had both power and poise. Red and black fruit. Dry herbs. Wonderful purity and tautness.

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  3/21/2021 - Screwcaps Likes this wine: 95 Points

  Initial note. Gorgeous, start of leather and mushroom tertiary notes. But still very fresh. Med bodied, perky acidity and red fruit, and trademark menthol and rusty earth notes. Finishes with white pepper and salt. Wine will outlive the cork this vintage, 3/4 way up on one side- same as last bottle.
  
  Will save half for tomorrow.
  
  Took about an hour to drink well. I need to remember to stand these older Wendy’s up the day before- they always throw a huge sediment.
  
  On day two, has not moved too much. The structural components much more harmonious (acidity and tannin) and the fruit more in the softer strawberry spectrum than red cherry night before. Shared with the Duck, completely agree, this is in an ideal drinking window. Excellent to outstanding, drinks like fine Burgundy with a wide fan of flavour and fine tannin, and sappy and soft red fruit. 95. Drink now to 3 years but stand up and filter well in to decanter.

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  8/28/2020 - Darke Peak Likes this wine: 96 Points

  Event: 20 years of Wendouree Shiraz. Very closed compared to neighbouring vintages (04, 05, 08). More petite. But give it time to air. Advise decant 3-4 hours. Great length. Like watching a flower open. Drink now to 2027.

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  6/27/2019 - Screwcaps Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Some development, loads of measured power. Delicious and mouth filling. Liquorice, herbal, dusty cocoa tannins filled with voluptuous strawberry. Mint only a touch. Tannins completely rollled in to the wine. Delicious. I want a whole bottle. To myself. Morrish. 4.5 out of 5. Drink Now to 10 years.

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