Wine Review: Taylors Wakefield St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley, Australia
I found this 2012 Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon waiting patiently, as I was looking through my ‘wines I should drink tonight’ closet. I thought if any wine here is going to give me the full monty exposing every layer, nuance and lip smacking drop of deliciousness, this would be it.
The guy who sent me this has a little insight into what pleases my particularly finicky palate, and he hit the nail on the head with this sample. Produced only in the best vintages, and 2012 was certainly one of those in the Clare Valley region of Australia, this single vineyard designate was a perfect partner for the wild game I was serving for the evening.
The Taylor family (Wakefield’s proprietors) has been farming 440 acres of wine grapes in Clare Valley since 1969 and consistently winning awards since 1973. An interesting fact the Clare Valley Region contributes around 2% of the Australian national grape crush but wins over 7% of all medals awarded for Australian wine.
The wine showcases the classic Clare Valley terra rossa terroir the valley is known for while sending a barrage of flower, fruit and herb scents to the olfactory senses. The red and black fruit parades past the palate and picks up notes of tobacco and savory herbs on the finish. We matched this Cabernet Sauvignon with a braised Water Buffalo dish (from Nicky USA) that brought out the unctuous, beefy, game flavors in the meat.
Rating: Excellent (93) | $60 | 14.5 % ABV
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