Wakefield Estate Riesling 2024

Winery Background and History

Taylors Wines (also marketed as Wakefield in some markets) is a multi-generation family winery founded in 1969 in the Clare Valley of South Australia  . Over the years they have built a reputation for both red and white varietals, with Riesling being one of the signature expressions of the Clare Valley terroir  . The Estate range reflects their commitment to sourcing from prime vineyard parcels, restrained winemaking, and delivering wines that balance varietal purity, freshness, and accessibility  .

Producer and Wine Maker

The wine is made by Taylors / Wakefield Wines’ winemaking team, under the family’s oversight. For the 2024 Estate Riesling, they manage vineyard practices (yield control, canopy management, harvest timing) and cellar protocols to maximize aromatic integrity. The team abstains from oak influence, choosing stainless steel and inert vessels to preserve freshness and clarity of fruit. The winemaker’s role includes deciding optimal picking windows, fermentation regimes, and aging on fine lees (if used) to give texture.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit is sourced from Clare Valley, in South Australia. Clare Valley is recognized for its diurnal shifts—warm sunny days and cool nights—which helps Riesling retain crisp acidity and aromatic lift. Soils are well-draining, often with loam, limestone or gravelly components. In 2024, the parcels used for the Estate Riesling delivered bright, pure fruit character under favorable climatic conditions without excessive heat or stress.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2024 Estate Riesling is vinified in stainless steel with no oak maturation (“oak maturation: Nil”)  . After pressing and clarification, fermentation is carried out at controlled temperature to preserve primary aromatics of citrus and floral notes  . The wine is bottled early, with minimal aging, to maintain its fresh, vibrant profile.

Tasting Notes

The wine shows a pale straw hue with subtle green highlights  . On the nose: kaffir lime, fresh lemon, delicate blossoms, and hints of tropical fruit. The palate is crisp and zesty with intense citrus (lemon, lime), moderate weight, and a clean, refreshing finish. The acidity is lively, giving a taut structure, and the finish is persistent and clean  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with seafood (oysters, scallops, light fish), Asian cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese, sushi), goat cheese, salads with citrus vinaigrettes, and light poultry dishes. It also complements dishes with fresh herbs or mild spice.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 8-10 °C. Use a medium-bowled white wine glass to allow aromas to emerge. No decanting is required. Once opened, enjoy within 1–2 days to retain its freshness. Avoid overchilling, as extreme cold can mute aromatics.

Storage and Aging Potential

This Riesling is crafted for early drinking but will reward short-term cellaring. Under ideal conditions (cool ~10-12 °C, stable humidity, low light), it may age gracefully for 3-5 years, during which tertiary notes such as petrol, honeyed nuance or petrolio may emerge, but the wine is best enjoyed for its fresh citrus character in the early years.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Riesling

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

11.00 %