Wakefield The Pioneer Shiraz 2016

Winery Background and History

Wakefield (also known as Taylors Wines in Australia) is a family-owned winery established in 1969 in Clare Valley, South Australia. The property is known for combining traditional viticulture with modern winemaking to produce premium wines that reflect the Clare Valley terroir. Over decades, Wakefield (Taylors) has built reputational strength, particularly with its top-end Shiraz and Cabernet ranges, emphasizing low yields, careful vineyard management, and detailed oak work. The Pioneer is one of its flagship Shiraz wines.

Producer and Wine Maker

Producer: Wakefield Wines (Taylors Family Wines). The winemaker for the Pioneer range is part of the Taylors technical team, who select the finest parcels of Shiraz from estate vineyards. The team supervises harvest timing, fermentation and maturation practices with high technical precision. For The Pioneer Shiraz, oak maturation and barrel selection are central, as is the blending of only the best barrels for final wine.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes come from estate-owned vineyards in Clare Valley, South Australia. The vineyards are planted at altitude with warm days and cool nights, characteristic of Clare Valley, which help preserve acidity and develop complexity in Shiraz. 2016 was a vintage with below-average rainfall overall, but timely rains and good conditions during flowering and fruit set produced healthy vines with good fruit character. Soils are well-drained, often with gravelly or rocky components, favoring Shiraz expression.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine is 100% Shiraz. Harvested at optimal ripeness, fruit is fermented, then matured in new American oak barrels (100% new according to official tasting details). After initial maturation of 12 months, barrel selections are made, then the selected parcels are returned to barrel for a further 12 months (i.e. total about 24 months oak maturation for selected barrels). This extended oak influence gives depth, spice and ability to age.

Tasting Notes

Deep dark cherry to almost black-ruby colour. The nose shows rich dark fruit—plum, blackberry, red & black cherry—accented with sweet oak spices (vanilla, mocha), baking spice and some white pepper. On the palate it is full bodied, with lush mid-palate fruit, well-integrated oak, supple tannins, and a lingering finish. There is complexity of flavour layering, with fruit, spice, oak, and subtle earthy/mineral elements.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs superbly with grilled or roast red meats (e.g. ribeye steak, lamb), game dishes, and rich stews. Also good with smoked meats, hearty beef bourguignon or venison, and strong, aged cheeses. BBQ or flame-grilled dishes bring out the spice and darker fruit flavours well.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at about 16-18 °C. Use a large, wide-bowl red wine glass (Bordeaux or Shiraz style) to allow aromas to open. Decanting for ~30–45 minutes recommended, especially when the wine has been stored or is just opened, to soften oak and integrate tannin. Once opened, drink over 2-3 days for full expression.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is built for aging. Under proper cellar conditions (~12-14 °C, stable humidity, low light, minimal vibration), it can continue to develop over 15-20 years from vintage, though optimal fruit and oak fruit expression should be best within the first 10-15 years. Over time tertiary notes (leather, earth, tobacco, cedar) will become more pronounced.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Shiraz

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.50 % 

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 93 / 100 

• Tastings.com: 92 / 100