Wakefield Estate Shiraz

Wine information: Wakefield Wines are located in the heart of the Clare Valley and was founded by wine merchant Bill Taylor Senior in 1969 with the purchase of 178 hectares of vineyards near the Wakefield River in Auburn. Wakefield Wines are still known under their original name of Taylor's Wines in Australia. Bill Taylor carefully chose the site for its red brown loam over limestone soils ( this is known as "terra rossa") and cool climate of the Clare valley. The same year, 1969, the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted. Today Wakefield Estate is one of the most highly esteemed cool climate producers in Australia. It is also unique in the fact that all of the grapes are sourced from 400 hectares of family-owned vineyards in the winery which makes it one of the largest single estate plantings in Australia. Primary fermentation was carried out in stainless steel fermenters then pressed using a pneumatic bag press to French oak barrels for secondary, malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured in water bent American oak barrels for twelve months followed by egg white fining, minimal filtration and then bottling.

Tasting Notes: Wakefield Estate Shiraz displays amazing depth of colour with dark opaque reds and a deep black centre. Dark and brooding in its youth with aromas of violets, plum and dark cherry along with dusty oak derived spice and vanilla adding complexity. The palate is rich, luscious and round with intense, perfectly ripen fruit characters. Dark chocolate and vanilla characters complement the generous red berry flavours. The wine has a well balanced structure with great texture and surprising delicacy to the finish.

Food & Wine match: Try with Asian Style Spare Ribs, Beef Burgers, Lasagne or Peking Duck.

Reviews: "Produced from the plantings on the 340-ha estate vineyards that date back to 1969. the wine has a strong, healthy colour, with a bouquet of black fruits, vanilla bean and touches of spice. Then follows a medium to full-bodied, mouthfilling palate, with oceans of black fruits and well-integrated vanillan oak, promising much for the future. Drink it now or in 15 years - it's up to you. Winner of a blue-gold medal at the Sydney International Winemakers Competition 2011." 91 Points, James Halliday.

 
     

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