Showing posts with label margaret-river. Show all posts
Showing posts with label margaret-river. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedFriday, April 18, 2025

Wakefield Estate Label Wines - Degrees Matter

Last I had the pleasure of attending a media event titled "The Temperature Experience". I had the opportunity to Chill Out with Justin Taylor, a third generation family member of renowned and well-respected Wakefield Wines (also known as Taylors Wines in their home country of Australia). The purpose of this event was to taste Wakefield's latest Estate Series of wines that are now available in Ontario, and, more importantly, to stimulate our senses and find out why degrees matter.

Wakefield Wines - Degrees Matter

Wakefield Wines was established in 1969 by Bill Taylor Sr. in South Australia's Clare Valley. Bill found a perfect plot of land by the Wakefield River to establish the family estate and planted his first Cabernet Sauvignon vines that would eventually find its way into the family's first wine in 1973 - the Estate Label Cabernet Sauvignon. During the excavation of the land to find a water source for the vines, they discovered tiny seahorses in the limestone bedrock that date back more than 600 million years - seahorses that became the winery's symbol and emblem for over 50 years.

Justin Taylor, Wakefield Wines
Today, Wakefield Wines is led by the third generation of the family - brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton. Their focus is on continuing the family tradition by crafting delicious wines that not only stand the test of time, but are also crafted in a sustainable and responsible manner that respects the fruit and where it comes from.

With a strong innovative spirit, the Taylor family launched an industry-first on-the-bottle temperature sensor in 2016 that helps ensure that wine drinkers enjoy Wakefield wines at the optimum temperature. I covered the Optimum Drinking Temperature Sensor a few years ago when the wines with these innovative labels first made their way into Canada in 2020.

At this event, we had the opportunity to taste four Estate Label wines that are available in Ontario and compare the difference when experiencing the wine that was served either too warm or too cold and the optimum temperature. First up was a refreshing Chardonnay. However, the aromas and flavours were a bit muted when served too cold. There was much more intensity, depth, flavours, and texture when the Chardonnay was served at the ideal suggested temperature of 10–12°C.

Chardonnay Pairing

The Sauvignon Blanc was terribly imbalanced and dull when served too warm. The suggested temperature for the Wakefield Sauvignon Blanc is 6–8°C, and at this cooler temperature the wine comes alive with refreshing acidity and bright fruit flavours. It is important to note that the wine shouldn't be served too cold either, because this will mute the wine and you won't get to experience all that it offers.

Sauvignon Blanc Pairing

Both red wines were absolutely gross when served too warm. To illustrate this, the warm wines were poured out of a thermos and one sip had me spit and dump the wine into a spittoon. The suggested temperature for each of their reds is between 16–18°C and each wine was lovely at this temperature, showcasing both the fruit and oak in their aromas and flavours, along with a fine texture, with everything in balance.

Cabernet Sauvignon Pairing

Shiraz Pairing

The key takeaway is that temperature plays a very important role in how you experience a wine and how it impacts your enjoyment. Serving wine at the correct temperature enhances aromas and flavours, affects the wine's structure, alters perception of sweetness & alcohol, and preserves the wine's integrity. The suggested serving temperature for white wines is between 6–12°C, and I would personally lean a little warmer for richer white wines such as Chardonnay. For red wines, the suggested serving temperature is between 12–18°C. The old adage of serving red wines at "room temp" is from a bygone era when central heating didn't exist and rooms were generally cold. There are various methods you can use to cool down (ice bath, freezer, refrigerator, etc...) or warm up your wine (rest at room temperature, hold glass in your hands, etc...). Personally, all my wines are placed in the refrigerator, at the back of the top shelf for cooling, with the white wines resting there for 50 to 60 minutes prior to opening, and the red wines for 45 minutes.

All Estate Label wines, including the four listed below, have the innovative temperature sensor on the back label. The Chardonnay and the Shiraz are available year-round at the LCBO as they are VINTAGES Essentials products, while the Sauvignon Blanc (which hasn't been in Ontario in many years) and Cabernet Sauvignon arrived in Ontario a week ago in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. All four are worthy buys, and with a convenient temperature sensor on the back label, you can actively taste the difference that temperature makes!

To use the sensor, simply wipe away any moisture from the circular Temperature Sensor to reveal its true colour, then match its colour to the chart on the left to see if you are serving the wine at the correct temperature.
Wakefield Wines Temperature Sensor

Tasting Notes:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Adelaide Hills / Margaret River, Australia (#166942) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. Fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers a lovely mix of gooseberry, lime citrus, grapefruit, lemongrass, and green herb aromas with leesy undertones. It's medium-full bodied with good weight, concentration, and richness, along with delicious ripe lime citrus, gooseberry, and grapefruit, herbs, and leesy flavours on the palate. Mostly dry with a vague impression of sweetness and a richly textured mouthfeel. Acids are clean and well-balanced. Lime citrus, gooseberry, and grapefruit notes taper to leesy flavours on the long, crisp, and juicy finish. Best enjoyed at the temperature suggested on the back label. Score: 89 pts

Wakefield Estate Label Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (89 pts)Wakefield Estate Label Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (89 pts)

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CHARDONNAY 2022 - Clare Valley / Limestone Coast, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95 $15.95 until Apr. 27
Served at 8C, this has fresh, citrusy, lemon, and ripe tropical fruit nose. It's nicely textured and a touch grippy on the medium+ bodied and dry palate with delicious aroma replays on the flavour profile It has fresh and lively acidity, and is nicely balanced throughout. Very good length on the crisp finish. At the ideal temperature of between 10-12C, it allowed the wine to breathe and release more complex aromas and flavours, while also offering a more richer, rounder, and creamier mouthfeel. It was definitely much better at the slightly warmer temperatures and continued to improve as it warmed up in my glass. Score: 89 pts

Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay 2022 (89 pts)Wakefield Estate Label Shiraz 2022 (88+ pts)

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SHIRAZ 2022 - Clare Valley / Limestone Coast, South Australia (#943787) (XD) - $19.95 $17.95 until Apr. 27
Generously intense with ripe plum, black cherry, blackberry aromas nuanced with some savoury cocoa, milk chocolate, and vanilla notes. The salty, medium-full bodied palate is well-structured with delicious aroma replays and notable spicy, cocoa chocolate, blackberry, and black plum flavours. It has very good, crisp acidity and supple, well-structured tannins. Nicely textured with earthy, cocoa, and savoury notes on the finish, with very good length. Score: 88+ pts

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Limestone Coast / Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
52% Limestone Coast and 48% Clare Valley fruit and enclosed by screw cap. The rich, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely dark fruited, black currant, cassis, cedar oak spice, cocoa, and earthy aromas accented with leafy herbs and mint. It's full-bodied and ripe on the dry palate with black & red fruits, currant, cassis, gentle oak spice, and savoury earth flavours accented with plummy and minty herb notes. Acids are crisp and fresh, while the ripe, refined, and mildly grippy tannins are well-structured. Clean and well-balanced with savoury black fruit and cocoa notes lingering on the lengthy finish. Score: 89 pts

Wakefield Estate Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (89 pts)Wakefield Estate Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (89 pts)


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  • Date publishedSaturday, March 1, 2025

Xanadu Vinework Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2023 and Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Margaret River) - Wine Reviews

wine reviews are a pair of delightful wines from Margaret River in Western Australia. Both of these wines arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which featured wines from Australia.

Xanadu Vinework Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon 2023 (89 pts) and Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (88+ pts)

These wines are produced by Xanadu Wines, a winery that was founded in 1977 by Dr. John Lagan, an Irish immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1969, who was drawn to the emerging wine region of Margaret River. Dr. Lagan recognized the viticultural potential of Margaret River because the cool, maritime climate was similar to Bordeaux. Situated in an idyllic setting, only a few kilometres from the coast, in a place radiating with promise and potential, Xanadu was named for an ancient, otherworldly paradise described in the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and symbolizes a winemaking utopia.

Dr. Lagan and his wife, Eithne, were the first to establish vineyards on the property, and one of the first in Margaret River, and focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Over the next couple of decades, they developed Xanadu Wines into one of Australia's highly-acclaimed wineries.

In 2005, Xanadu Wines was acquired by Rathbone Wine Group. The Rathbone family invested its resources to continue to enhance vineyard management and winemaking techniques, while also focusing on sustainable viticulture and modernizing the winery. Margaret River is a place filled with life and energy, and the philosophy is to bottle the vibrancy of this place. At Xanadu, there's harmony between the place and the people, and features a dynamic balance that brings out the best of both, and helps create wines filled with energy.

The process at Xanadu is driven by a deep respect for the land, while also ensuring that they protect the integrity and potential of the region. With sustainable practices and nurturing the land, they ensure that the land will continue to thrive for future generations. Xanadu Wines have been certified sustainable since 2011 by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. They have over 65 hectares of vines on the estate, which flourish on the rich, free-draining soils of the Margaret River region. Xanadu uses a minimalist approach to winemaking, which allows the region's richness and vibrancy to shine through. With a goal to make sure that the spirit of the region is unmistakable in every bottle, an energy that you can feel, and genuine characters that you can taste, Xanadu Wines is considered today to be one of Margaret River's top wineries.

Both the 2022 and 2023 vintages in Margaret River were excellent, with the 2022 wines exhibiting vibrant, fine, and elegant characteristics, while the wines from 2023 have a little more density. Let's see how the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

XANADU VINEWORK SAUVIGNON BLANC / SEMILLON 2023 - Sustainable, Margaret River, Western Australia (#41315) (XD) - $22.95
This 75/25 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was fermented in both stainless steel and (wild fermented) in French barriques, while also aged on its lees for 3 months. A touch nose tingling, the fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offers enticing aromas of kiwi, guava, and passion fruit wrapped around a core of lemon/lime citrus accented with grapefruit, leesy minerals, and whiffs of jalapeño. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is concentrated, ripe, and slightly honeyed with delicious kiwi, guava, passion fruit, lemon/lime citrus, and grapefruit flavours supported by crisp and zesty acidity. Lemon/lime citrus, grapefruit, and leesy mineral notes linger on the long, crisp finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Xanadu Vinework Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon 2023 (89 pts)

XANADU CIRCA 77 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#18344) (XD) - $18.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc has a medium+ to medium-high intensity that nose offers fresh evergreen and minty herb aromas wrapped around a core of mocha chocolate, savoury earth, black currant, blackberry, and cassis, plus oak spice. The mid-weighted palate is dry and ripe with a delicious mix of minty herb, evergreen, oak spice, blackcurrant, cassis, and savoury earth flavours. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the smooth, ripe, and fairly round tannins have good structure. Savoury earth, oak, minty herb, and blackcurrant notes linger on the long, well-balanced finish. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Xanadu Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (88+ pts)

There's a high-end Chardonnay that is available at one LCBO outlet, while the full range of Xanadu Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, February 19, 2025

Evans & Tate Hullabaloo Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Margaret River) - Wine Review

red wine review is a delicious Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon that is a brand new arrival at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the feature story on wines from Australia in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Evans & Tate, a winery whose history began when John Evans & John Tate first planted vines in Swan Valley, just north of Perth. Three years later, in 1974, Evans & Tate was established when the two friends and business partners purchased land and planted a vineyard in Wilyabrup, in the heart of Margaret River, three hours south of Perth in Western Australia. John Evans was a winemaker and contributed his technical expertise, while John Tate was an entrepreneur and wine enthusiast who was involved in viticulture and business development. Together, Evans & Tate played a pioneering role in establishing Margaret River as a world-class wine region.

Evans & Tate has changed hands a couple of times and joined Fogarty Wine Group in 2012. Today, the winemaking philosophy at Evans & Tate begins with accessing high-quality fruit and oak, as well as using state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. The winemaking team is led by Senior Winemaker Matt Byrne, who has been at the helm of Evans & Tate winemaking since 2001, and Winemaker Feleasha Prendergast, and together they continuously strive to craft elegant wines which exhibit distinct regional characteristics and intense purity of fruit. Evans & Tate continues to be based in the Margaret River wine region - one of the world's most isolated and elite wine regions. Situated adjacent to the Indian Ocean, the Margaret River wine region boasts optimal conditions for viticulture due to its proximity to the ocean, soil consistency, and perfect seasonal temperatures. The region is situated at an elevation of 295 feet above sea level and features a high mean January (peak summer) temperature of 20.2°C, and a low mean annual temperature of 7.6°C, which translates to a pleasant year-around Mediterranean climate that is warm and dry during summer with cooling afternoon breezes, and a mild winter. The soil in the Margaret River wine region is loamy sand and gravel, which was formed directly from underlying granite and gneissic rock.

With many lines of wines at various price points in the Evans & Tate portfolio, this red wine is from their Hullabaloo range, which blows the trumpet for the renowned wine region of Margaret River and offers remarkable fruit purity and intensity, while also celebrating the region's distinct flavours.

The 2018 vintage in Margaret River is considered to be one of the best and most classically styled vintages ever recorded in the region and across Western Australia. Rain was heavy rain in winter, followed by below average rain in spring. Growing conditions were perfect during the mild and dry summer from December to late-February, with only five days above 30°C, while slightly cooler weather resulted in wines with high acidity and brightness. It was an easy vintage that allowed producers ample time to bring the grapes to optimal ripeness prior to harvesting. From an epic vintage, let's see how this 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River is tasting tonight...

Evans & Tate Hullabaloo Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

EVANS & TATE HULLABALOO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#41312) (XD) - $19.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon and enclosed by screw cap. Fresh and open, the medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers cool, minty, black cherry, dark currant, and cassis aromas alongside gentle oak spice, and savoury earth notes. It's full-bodied and dry, with ripe cassis, plum, dark currant, black cherry, savoury earth, and cedary oak spice flavours flecked with minty herbs in a warming profile. It has crisp and juicy acidity, while the medium-firm and textured tannins are well-structured. Savoury earth and minty herb notes with touches of cedary oak linger on the long, chalky textured finish. This recommended buy will go great with lamb, your favourite red meat, or other protein. Score: 89 pts

Very limited quantities of one other Evans & Tate wine is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedThursday, July 11, 2024

Deep Woods Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Margaret River) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2023 Deep Woods Margaret River Chardonnay last month, red wine review is a lovely follow-up from the same producer. This red wine is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the Chardonnay, it is produced by Deep Woods Estate, a winery situated in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia that is highly regarded and known for producing high-quality wines. It was originally established in 1987 by Dr. Thomas Cullity, who named the winery after a fictitious location from the popular "Phantom" comic that he was a fan of. The Deep Woods logo is also based on the Phantom ring.

In 1992, the estate winery was acquired by the Gould family, and it remained in their hands until 2005, when it was purchased by the Fogarty family. Under the ownership of Fogarty Wine Group, Deep Woods Estate was transformed into one of Margaret River's most highly regarded wineries as the vineyards were re-worked, while also implementing sustainable vineyard practices to improve fruit quality with smaller yields. Wine production at Deep Woods is based on a combination of traditional philosophy using modern techniques.

Situated in the heart of the Yallingup Hills in Margaret River, Western Australia, Deep Woods Estate is perched high on a ridge overlooking the valley and surrounded by large jarrah and marri trees. The terroir in this area is unique with soils that are comprised of deep, sandy gravels over clay, as well as a dual maritime influence from both the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay - factors that contribute to this world-class wine region.

Deep Woods Estate has a number of ranges of wines. By combining sustainable viticultural practices with Margaret River's exceptional and unique terroir, Deep Woods is able to get incredibly high-quality fruit, for each vintage, in an unwavering pursuit of excellence. This red wine is from Deep Woods' Hillside range - a group of ripe, delicate, and limited-production wines made from low-yielding fruit that is grown on the steepest slopes on the estate and showcases their dedication to site-selection and pure varietal expression.

Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red wine is a unique expression from the Margaret River wine region - one of the best Cabernet producing areas in the world. The fruit for this wine is mostly from vineyards located on the Deep Woods Estate in Yallingup, with the vines just coming of age and showing great intensity and verve. To vinify this wine, the grapes underwent 10-14 days of skin contact during fermentation and were then pressed directly to barrel. It was aged for approximately 12 months in barrels, with 15% new oak.

The 2021 growing season in Margaret River was unusually challenging and wet. Canopy management, timing of harvest, and careful fruit selection were vital components in ensuring high-quality fruit. The work in the vineyard was especially difficult due to a season of labour shortages. proved vital, a tricky balancing act in a season of labour shortages. The cooler and drier conditions in March and April improved aromatics, vibrancy, and fine tannins. The result was that the 2021 vintage produced very fine and refined wines. Let's see how this 2021 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Deep Woods Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (90+ pts)

Tasting Note:

DEEP WOODS HILLSIDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#33418) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, medium-high+ intensity nose offers lovely, perfumed aromas of red & black fruits, currant, cassis, blackberry, black plum, grilled herbs, and mild oak spice. On the dry, well-structured, and medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it delivers ripe and stylish red & black fruits, cassis, currant, black cherry, blackberry, grilled herbs, smoky mineral, gentle vanilla oak spice, and savoury earth flavours. It's nicely balanced throughout with fresh and succulent acidity. It has smooth, refined tannins, with just a touch of grip and spice notes on the back palate. Savoury with graphite and dried herbal characters linger on the long, juicy finish. Very approachable right now and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other fine wines by Deep Woods Estate can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits, and perhaps at the LCBO when stores re-open after the strike ends.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, June 11, 2024

Deep Woods Margaret River Chardonnay 2023 (Australia) - Wine Review

white wine review is a lovely Chardonnay from Margaret River in Western Australia. It is brand-new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across the province as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on .

It is produced by Deep Woods Estate, a Margaret River gem that was established in 1987 by Dr. Thomas Cullity. The founder was a fan of the popular comic "Phantom" and named the winery Deep Woods, a fictitious location from the comic, while also designing the logo based on the Phantom ring. In 1992, Deep Woods was acquired by the Gould family.

In 2005, Deep Woods Estate was purchased by the Fogarty family, a wine group currently run by Peter and Lee Fogarty, and is one of a number of wine estates owned by Fogarty Wine Group. Under the guidance of the Fogarty group, Deep Woods has been transformed into one of Margaret River's most highly regarded wineries. Wine production at Deep Woods is based on a combination of traditional philosophy using modern techniques. The talented team is led by Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy, who produces wines of prestige and provenance.

The Estate is situated in the heart of the Yallingup Hills in Margaret River, Western Australia, perched high on a ridge overlooking the valley and surrounded by large jarrah and marri trees. The terroir in this area is unique with soils that are comprised of deep, sandy gravels over clay, as well as a dual maritime influence from both the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay - factors that contribute to this world-class wine region.

After being acquired by the Fogarty family, the vineyards were re-worked and a new maintenance program was introduced to utilize sustainable vineyard practices to improve fruit quality and produce small, higher-quality yields. As of 2024, Deep Woods' vineyards are certified sustainable under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, a process which has led to outstanding fruit and superior wines, including award-winning Chardonnay that is processed and bottled in small batches on-site. Sustainable viticultural practices, together with Margaret River's exceptional and unique terroir, help deliver high-quality fruit year after year, which is then used to craft high quality wines across a number of ranges in the pursuit of excellence.

This white wine is from Deep Woods' Estate range of wines that display individual varietal character and represent incredible value in the Margaret River wine region. Crafted with 100% Chardonnay, the fruit was sourced from vineyards across the Margaret River wine region. It was fermented using wild yeast and left to mature on its lees for six months in new and seasoned French oak to impart great texture and length.

The 2023 growing season in Margaret River began with a mild spring with adequate soil moisture, which resulted in a slightly later start to the season. The moderate summer led to ideal ripening conditions, with little pressure in the vineyard, including the lack of any major rain events. Consistently warm days and cool evenings allow for great acid retention within the grapes, while also achieving optimal fruit expression. From an excellent vintage, let's see how this 2023 Margaret River Chardonnay is tasting tonight...

Deep Woods Margaret River Chardonnay 2023 (90+ pts)

Tasting Note:

DEEP WOODS MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY 2023 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#33569) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose leads with smoky, mineral, barrel-influenced aromas layered over apple, pear, orchard fruit, lemon citrus, nutty, and leesy notes. The dry, medium-full bodied palate is more fruit forward with ripe apple, pear, lemon citrus flavours mingling with smoky oak, leesy mineral, and spice notes, plus a tinge of honey adding further complexity. It's nicely balanced with a slightly chalky textured mouthfeel, with some sense of elegance. Acids are juicy and succulent. Leesy mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. Enjoy to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

One other lovely wine by Deep Woods Estate can be found at the LCBO, while the entire portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, October 26, 2021

Wakefield Jaraman Chardonnay 2018 (Australia) - Wine Review

white wine review is a lovely Chardonnay from Australia. It's a new arrival to the LCBO that was featured in the theme on Australian wines in the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

After making wines for many years, the Taylors family founded Wakefield Wines in 1969 in the Clare Valley, South Australia, to make their own wines. With three generations of the family involved in the business today, Wakefield is one of the most respected names and consistently reliable producers in the industry.

This white wine is from the Jaraman range of wines. Australia's iconic wine regions provide great diversity of high quality fruit, and with the Jaraman range, the Taylors family seeks extraordinary parcels of fruit to showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style. These wines showcase the skill and dedication of Wakefield's winemakers to their philosophy of respecting the fruit.

Although earlier vintages of this wine may have been crafted using fruit from only Clare Valley, more recent vintages have been regional blends. The 2018 vintage is 100% Chardonnay crafted with fruit from Clare Valley (66%) and Margaret River (34%). The growing season in Clare Valley in 2018 was warm and dry, and calm and controlled without any major heatwaves. Overall, the quality was very good with white varieties delivering high aromatics and very pure, distinct varietal characteristics. In Margaret River (Western Australia), the vintage was extraordinarily good with above average rainfall throughout winter and the start of spring that resulted in very good vine health at the start of the growing season. With ideal conditions conditions throughout the growing season and ripening phase, many consider the year in Margaret River to be an exceptional vintage.

The vinification of this wine is rather interesting. The juice was fermented in French oak barrels, 60% new, while the rest was in barrel-fermented in 2nd and 3rd use barrels to give great structure while retaining the vibrant fruit. Half of the parcels were wild fermented, while the other half was fermented using a strain of yeast designed for barrel ferments. After resting on its yeast lees and maturation for 8 months in barrel, the final wine was blended from both regional parcels and bottled with minimal fining and filtration. Let's see how this Australian Chardonnay is tasting tonight...

Wakefield Jaraman Chardonnay 2018 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CHARDONNAY 2018 - Clare Valley/Margaret River, Australia (#18921) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. This 100% Chardonnay was barrel-fermented and has a medium-high intensity nose offering lovely oak-infused aromas of buttery, vanillin, and sweet oak spice that sits a top of poached apple, pear, and hints of pineapple and ripe tropical fruit. The weighty, medium-full bodied palate has buttery, lemon curd, ripe apple, sweet oak vanillin, and tropical fruit flavours with a twist of honey. Some spiciness on the mid-palate, along with fresh, juicy acidity. Buttery and flinty with a tinge of caramel lingers on the chalky textured finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Wakefield are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedSunday, October 13, 2019

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Australia) - Wine Review

My wine review for Thanksgiving is this Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia.

This red wine was purchased from an LCBO VINTAGES Release nearly 10 years ago to the day, back in . Of course, the 2007 vintage of this wine is no longer available for purchase, but since it is listed as a VINTAGES Essential at the LCBO, a newer vintage of the Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon is always available in the VINTAGES section at your local LCBO outlet. It is interesting to note that while my 2007 bottling was enclosed by cork, newer vintages of this wine, like many Australian wines these days, are enclosed by screw cap.

Margaret River is known for producing highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The region is surrounded by forest, farmland, sea, enjoying the attributes of the mild maritime climate, rich soil, and fresh winds from both the Indian and Southern Oceans. The vineyards of Margaret River are planted primarily on gravel loam soils, which combine with summer sea breezes and temperature conditions during ripening that allow the grapes to develop complex varietal characters, elegance, and strength. At 12 years from vintage, let's see how this Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#606624) (XD) - $19.95
Medium intensity nose has olive, green pepper, tobacco, new leather, sandalwood, and whiffs of cassis liqueur characters. It is medium-full bodied with smooth, mature, and fully resolved tannins that offer just a touch of textural grippiness. Composed earthy and savoury flavours with sandalwood spice, forest floor, green pepper, and dark berry notes with hints of tobacco. Acids are still quite juicy, while the mid-palate is a touch warming. Very good length on the long, earthy-savoury finish accented by green pepper notes. Has aged quite well. Drink soon. Score: 89 pts


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