Birks Wendouree - Shiraz Mataro - 2021

The 2021 Shiraz Mataro is altogether more mouthfilling and centrally located on the palate than the straight Mataro tasted next to it. This makes it a little more obvious and a little more powerful, but better? It's hard to know. This speaks of rust flakes, pomegranate molasses, iodine/blood, musks sticks and roses, red licorice and saffron and bears much resemblance to its varietal sibling. However, the Shiraz changes the shape of the wine in the mouth and brings a roundness and a fullness to the experience that is incredibly satisfying. It's like cupping the underside of a balloon filled with warm water—tight, heavy, firm, round—but the tannins are chewy too. They're grounding and satiating. They linger in line with the fruit through the finish, neither breaking rank to finish first. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Note from the letter: 'A blend of Shiraz (60%) and Mataro (40%) from 1893 Central and 1919 Eastern vineyard plantings and 1920 Eastern vineyard bush vines.' 97 Points Erin Larkin, The Wine Companion