Birks Wendouree - Shiraz Mataro - 2022

The 2022 Shiraz Mataro is composed of 75% Shiraz and 25% Mataro. Aromatically, this has gathered pace from when the bottle was first opened, with cranberry, pomegranate and mulberry forming the core of the fruit, which is cloistered by shortcrust pastry, black mushrooms (à la beef Wellington), peppercorns and red apple skins. The tannins that shape the palate are wholly soft and ultra fine. The palate is cleansing, fresh and spicy, with incense and straw matting creating a foundation upon which the fruit and forest floor characters can dance. So different from my memory of last year's cuvée, this is so beautiful to drink but less generous to smell. 94+ Points Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate