Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2022

Winery Background and History

Wakefield Wines (also trading under Taylors Wines in Australia) is a family-owned winery founded in 1969 in Clare Valley, South Australia. The Jaraman label is one of their premium value-to-quality ranges, sourcing fruit from celebrated regions and aiming to showcase regional character with good oak integration. Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and other South Australian regions provide the fruit that gives Jaraman its depth and style. Wakefield has built a strong reputation over decades through consistent vineyard practices, award-winning wines, and combining tradition with careful modern winemaking. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Wakefield / Taylors Family Wines. The winemaking team chooses grape parcels from Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, combining fruit from cooler and warmer maritime/adelaide region climates. They oversee picking, fermenting, oak ageing, and blending to deliver richness, structure and drinkability. The oak maturation is managed to integrate spice, toast, and vanilla without overpowering the fruit. Cellaring and blending decisions reflect both varietal expression and regional signature. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit is drawn mainly from Clare Valley (~72 %) and McLaren Vale (~28 %) in South Australia. Clare Valley is known for warm, dry days and cool nights, which help retain acidity and aromatics; McLaren Vale brings riper, warmer fruit with plush textures. Soils in these regions include well-drained loam, gravel and some clay, aiding in vine stress and concentration. The mix of regions gives this wine balance between power and freshness. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine is single-variety Shiraz. After harvest, grapes are fermented using standard methods, then matured for 12-15 months in American oak hogsheads (a mix of new and older oak) to impart oak flavour, spice and vanilla. The oak pieces are chosen to support, not overwhelm, the fruit. Blending of barrel lots ensures even integration of tannins, oak, and fruit. 

Tasting Notes

Deep cerise red with vibrant purple hues at the rim. Nose of ripe black plum, blackberry, raspberry fruit, intertwined with vanilla bean, clove, roasted coffee beans and baking spice. Palate is full-bodied and luscious, with bold but well managed oak tannin, flavours of cherries, plum, red currant, complemented by spice, roasted wood, clove and subtle mint/anise. Finish is long, persistent, rich and balanced. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Excellent with grilled and roasted red meats (lamb, sirloin, ribeye), BBQ meats, spiced steak, and hearty stews. Pair with dishes featuring smoked meats, garlic, bold pepper and herbs. Also matches strong hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda; good with pâtés or charcuterie, and rich sauces. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C. Use a large Bordeaux or Shiraz-style red wine glass to allow aromas (spice, oak, dark fruit) to open fully. Decanting about 30 minutes before serving can help soften oak and integrate flavours. Once opened, best consumed over 1-2 days to preserve freshness. Avoid serving too warm (which intensifies alcohol) or too cold (which mutes flavour).

Storage and Aging Potential

Drinkable now but built to age. Under good cellaring conditions (cool ~12-14 °C, stable humidity, away from light), this wine can develop further complexity over 5-8 years. Over time the fruit will integrate more with oak, tertiary notes like leather, earth, dried herbs may emerge.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Shiraz 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.50 % 

Scores

• Natalie MacLean: 94 / 100 

• Tastings (USA / Beverage Testing Institute): 91 / 100