Wendouree is a great small Australian producer with an important cultural and historical identity. The unirrigated vineyards were first planted in 1893 on the easterly ridge towards the northern end of Clare. Much of the original vineyard, winery and even some of the original winemaking equipment, are still in service. Roly Birks, who put up his winemaking boots after 60 vintages, continued winemaking at Wendouree until 1983. Lita and Tony Brady, now veteran winemakers of nearly forty vintages, purchased the venerable property in 1974. The Wendouree style is strongly recognisable with an emphasis on fruit power, concentration and weight. Although best known for Shiraz, Wendouree also produces spellbindingly good, but idiosyncratic, Shiraz Malbec, Shiraz Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.