Riesling was in the shadow of easy-going Chardonnay in Australia for years, only sought out by enthusiasts, nerds and sommeliers. Well, as much as the Aussie Chardonnays have changed over the years, becoming ever more vibrant and food-friendly, their amazing Rieslings have stayed the same- perhaps because they were vibrant and food-friendly all along...? With its extra maturity and subsequent aromatic complexity, this single-vineyard wine is an exemplar of Aussie 'Rizza'.
Founded by Bill Taylor in 1969, Wakefield is now in the hands of the third generation of the Taylor family. Bill Taylor was inspired by his love for the red wines of Bordeaux’s Médoc region and decided to start the family wine business. He was drawn to South Australia’s Clare Valley and planted his first vineyard on the banks of the Wakefield River close to the village of Auburn. The vineyard was carefully chosen as it benefits from Terra Rossa and the cool climate of Clare Valley which is renowned for being the perfect spot for growing Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Today Wakefield is headed up by Mitchell Taylor whose philosophy blends an ‘old world’ estate mindset with ‘new world’ winemaking innovation; coupled with an almost fanatical attention to detail and obsession with quality. This results in wines of tremendous quality and style that are made with respect for the company’s family heritage.
St Andrews is the flagship range from Wakefield Wines. In 1995 the Taylor family purchased the historic St Andrews property which is just next door to the Wakefield estate. The first wines in the St Andrews range were released in 1999. The wines are handcrafted from individually selected parcels of fruit, grown on the family’s estate vineyards, and are a true labour of love. The wines have consistently accumulated an impressive number of awards and continue to attract national and international recognition for their outstanding quality.
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