£13.95 / bottle
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| Origin | Australia, Clare Valley, Limestone Coast |
|---|---|
| Main Grapes | Merlot |
| Other Grapes | Not Blend |
| Vintages | 2020 |
| Bottle Sizes | 75cl |
| Website | Wakefield Wines |
Wakefield Estate Merlot is made from 100% Merlot grapes which are sourced from vineyards in the Limestone Coast and Clare Valley wine-growing regions of Australia. The 2020 is a blend of 48% Clare Valley and 52% Limestone Coast fruit.
Wakefield Wines is located in the heart of the Clare Valley. The company was founded by wine merchant Bill Taylor Senior in 1969 with the purchase of 178 hectares of vineyards near the Wakefield River in Auburn. Bill Taylor carefully chose the site for its red brown loam over limestone soils ( this is known as “terra rossa”) and the cool climate of the Clare valley. In that same year, 1969, the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted. Since 2000 the company has been run by Managing Director and third generation Winemaker Mitchell Taylor, the grandson of Bill Taylor Senior.
Today Wakefield Estate is one of the most highly esteemed cool climate producers in Australia. Almost all of the grapes are sourced from 500 hectares of family-owned vineyards in the winery which makes it one of the largest single estate plantings in Australia. They do source some fruit from trusted growers in other regions, Coonawarra, for example. The family’s home estate and vineyards are situated in South Australia’s beautiful Clare Valley, in the sub-region of Auburn and stretch to another sub-region border, Watervale. As well as the estate range, they also produce the Jaraman and St Andrew’s ranges.
The grapes for Wakefield Estate Merlot are sourced from the Clare Valley (48%) and Limestone Coast (52%) wine-growing regions. After harvest the bunches are de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel. After the first fermentation the fruit is pressed into more stainless steel where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine is finally aged for 6 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels before being blended & bottled after minimal filtration.
Wakefield Wines are known under their original name of Taylor’s Wines in Australia and members of Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW) alongside other prestigious producers such as Jim Barry, Tyrrells and d’Arenberg.
At release, Wakefield Estate Merlot is a dark red with an intense purple hue. The wine has distinct aromas of black cherries and ripe strawberries abound with secondary spice, sweet mocha and cigar box characters evident. At release, this wine is medium to full-bodied with lush red berry, plum and cherry fruit characters. The fruit flavours are balanced by undertones of creamy mocha, spice & subtle savoury characters. The palate has a soft, velvety texture with grainy tannins through the mid-palate and a long, persistence to finish.
Wakefield Estate Merlot is a good match for grilled steak, as the wine’s rich and robust flavours complement the juicy tenderness of the meat.
For a vegetarian option, mushroom risotto is an excellent match. The earthy, umami flavours of the risotto harmonize with the wine’s medium body and smooth tannins.
If you prefer a heartier dish, roasted lamb or grilled lamb chops pair beautifully with Wakefield Estate Merlot. The black cherry and spicy nuances enhance the savoury richness of the lamb.
If you have a sweet tooth, try this wine with some dark chocolate.
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