Birks Wendouree - Shiraz Mataro - 2018

The first thing I said from first sip of the 2018 releases was ‘this has very good shape’. Those fine tannins are a feature and highlight, keeping the wine to medium weight with rambunctious scents of just ripe raspberry, faint game meat, potpourri, fennel, Aussie bush and white pepper. Succulent in the palate, fresh and very long, exceptional length and poise. This one is a keeper. Fantastic, finer boned expression. It’s fantastic drinking right now, too. A pedigree wine from hello. 96 Points Mike Bennie, The Wine Front Honey nuts, red and black fruit, light mint and dried herb and aniseed perfume. Medium-bodied, really supple, almost gummy feel to it, tannin is firm and neatly packed, comes in fresh and more red fruited on the finish, with just a little regional gum leaf. Really good wine. Most approachable of the 2018 releases as at now. Harmonious. 95+ Points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front