2017 Taylors Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz

This wine is produced in the Clare Valley region located along South Australia's Mount Lofty Ranges about 65 miles north of Adelaide. The Shiraz from Clare Valley—one of Australia's oldest winemaking regions—is highly regarded around the world. Third-generation family winery Wakefield, founded in 1969 by Bill Taylor, only releases their flagship St. Andrews wines from the best blocks on the estate and crafted only in the best vintages. 

The St. Andrews Shiraz is big and bold, indicative of Clare Valley and indicative of Australia, but it’s also structured and balanced, showcasing how well made Australian Shiraz can be.

In 1969, after a considerable search, the Taylor family found a promising 178-hectare site by the Wakefield River in the Clare Valley. They were certain the soil – Terra Rossa (red loam over limestone) – would prove conducive to crafting wines of the highest quality. The contrast of warm days and cool nights in the Clare Valley would be equally beneficial – helping the grapes ripen in the day and allowing the vines to rest at night.

Wakefield’s goal is to be Australia’s top wine company, applying best practice principles in environmental management to enhance sustainable business activities and products. Favoring use of the most innovative techniques available, the winery strives to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and packaging.

The St. Andrews range of wines is named after a historic property in the Clare Valley, first established in 1892 by Scottish immigrants. For years, St. Andrews was one of the leading producers in the area but ceased operating in the 1930s. Recognizing the potential of this land, which lay adjacent Wakefield’s first vineyards, founder Bill Taylor purchased the property in 1995 and replanted, releasing the first vintage in 1999. These critically acclaimed wines are only made in exceptional vintages and from top estate parcels.

When Wine Enthusiast compiled The Enthusiast 100 of 2016, their wine pros, who taste thousands of wines a year, chose the 2013 Taylors Wakefield St Andrews Shiraz Clare Valley to grace their list of standout wines.