Taylors Wakefield ‘The Pioneer’ Shiraz, Clare Valley 2012

Shiraz 100%

Barrel aging 12 months American oak (40% New)

Wakefield’s pinnacle Shiraz is named to celebrate the pioneering spirit of Bill Taylor; who had the conviction to do things differently and who demonstrated the fortitude to stay on a path to greatness. In the early days of the Taylors wine business, Bill was astute enough to recognise the emerging popularity of Shiraz. At the time, the plan was to plant most of the Clare Valley vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon but he insisted that a small block be set aside to also plant Shiraz.

The palate shows considerable structure. There is much to enjoy now, with vanilla and liquorice root notes in abundance through the mid-palate and layering beautifully onto the back-palate and finish, whilst blueberry and ripe dark plums define the overall heart of the wine. The tannins have a velvety softness to them that is neither bitter nor over-firm, reminiscent of sweet plum skins and reinforcing the sense that this wine shall develop exceptionally well in the cellar.

Wine Spectator 92