Birks Wendouree - Cabernet Malbec - 2012

Pretty sure Malbec is ‘Ingredient X’ in the Wendouree wines, and piling on, it’s the Cabernet based (aside straight Malbec) wines that are the lightning rod for quality up in the Clare Valley. Quick tasting here. Blackberry, flicker of capsicum/stalk, aniseed/licorice, roses, cedar. Medium bodied, sweeping perfect firm ripe tannin and just right ripeness of fruit backed with quality oak. Length to burn. There’s a bit of tension in this wine – definition, clarity and purpose – and little in the way of excess; the vines like an athlete at the peak of their powers – experience and strength. Just watch it run. 97 Points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front