Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz 2019

Winery Background and History

Wakefield (also known as Taylors Wines) is a family-owned winery established in 1969 in Clare Valley, South Australia. The “St. Andrews” label is its flagship range, named after a historic property first established in 1892, which the Taylor family acquired in the 1990s. Only produced in premium vintages, St. Andrews wines are sourced from the best blocks of the estate, reflecting Wakefield’s philosophy of respect for fruit, tradition and terroir. The winery combines heritage vineyard sites with contemporary winemaking to craft benchmark Clare Valley wines. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Producer: Taylors / Wakefield Wines. The winemaking team oversees meticulous vineyard management, selection of grape parcels, careful harvest timing, oak fermentation and maturation techniques, as well as blending and barrel selection to ensure that the wine expresses both varietal and site. For the St. Andrews Shiraz, oak plays a significant role in building complexity, structure and oak-driven flavors while maintaining elegance and varietal character. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes come from the St. Andrews vineyard in Clare Valley. Clare Valley is known for its relatively cool nights and warm days, giving large diurnal temperature shifts which help preserve acidity and aromatic freshness even in robust red wines. The 2019 vintage had lower than average rainfall, leading to smaller crop yields which in turn produced more concentrated flavours. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine is 100% Shiraz. Fermentation includes barrel fermentation and use of high quality oak barrels (including American oak) to integrate oak character into fruit. Maturation is lengthy – around 20 months in oak barrels has been reported for this vintage. The oak imparts vanilla, mocha and spice notes. Fruit and oak are balanced to avoid one overpowering the other. 

Tasting Notes

Deep purple-ruby colour. Aromas of spiced blackberry cordial, cedar, dried violets, chocolatey mint, fresh dark berries, plum, and a layer of oak spice (vanilla, mocha). On the palate, there is richness and concentration; mid-palate shows plush dark fruit framed by oak, spice, and well integrated tannins. The wine is full bodied, with both power and mid-palate elegance. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering dark fruits, spice and oak. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs excellently with hearty red meats such as grilled steak, roast lamb, venison. Also good with slow-cooked dishes, BBQ, spicy rubs, or sauces heavy in pepper or herbs. Rich dark sauces, mushroom dishes, or charred meats will enhance the oak and dark fruit notes. Strong cheeses like aged cheddar or hard fleshed cheeses complement the wine’s structure.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at about 16-18 °C (60-65 °F). Use a large red wine glass (e.g. Bordeaux/Shiraz style) to allow aromas and complexity to open. Decanting 30-45 minutes before drinking will allow the wine’s tannins to soften and more complex aromas to develop. Once opened, consume over 2-3 days for best expression. Avoid overly warm serving temperatures which may exaggerate alcohol or oak.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is built for medium-term aging. Under good cellar conditions (stable temperature around 12-14 °C, moderate humidity, darkness, minimal vibration), it should be drinkable now but will continue to evolve over 8-12 years from vintage. Tertiary notes like tobacco, leather, earth will emerge; fruit and oak will integrate further over time.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Shiraz 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5 % 

Scores

• Decanter: 97 / 100 

• Tastings.com: 94 / 100 

• Wine Enthusiast: 90 / 100