wine review is the latest edition of the lovely Estate Label Chardonnay by Wakefield Wines that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.
It is produced by Wakefield Wines, a family-owned and -operated winery that was founded by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons near the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley in 1969. Today, the third generation of the family - Mitchell, Justin and Clinton - continue the family tradition of making delicious wines that stand the test of time. The Taylor family is firmly committed to sustainability and producing wines in a responsible manner that respects the fruit and the land where it came from. The Taylor family also has an innovative spirit, and one of these innovations includes an Optimum Drinking Sensor that is on the back label of many of their wines.
Like the 2019 Wakefield Estate Chardonnay that I enjoyed just over a year ago, this vintage is also crafted with Chardonnay from Padthaway and Clare Valley. Although the percentage from each region was unspecified last time, this vintage is composed of 57% Padthaway and 43% Clare Valley Chardonnay. A small portion of this wine was barrel-fermented and stirred on its lees for 4 months. After 6-8 months of ageing in French oak, the wine was blended and bottled. Let's see how this 2020 Chardonnay is tasting tonight...
Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh with ripe apple, citrus, pear, and butter aromas nuanced with vanilla, lactic, and yoghurt notes. On the dry, medium+ bodied, and creamy palate it is lightly honeyed with citrusy, apple, pear, butter, and vanilla flavours supported by crisp, fresh acidity. Leesy mineral, apple, citrus, butter, with touches of sweet vanillin oak and saline linger on the long finish. Might be my favourite vintage so far. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts
Other lovely wines by Wakefield are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.
It is produced by Wakefield Wines, a family-owned and -operated winery that was founded by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons near the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley in 1969. Today, the third generation of the family - Mitchell, Justin and Clinton - continue the family tradition of making delicious wines that stand the test of time. The Taylor family is firmly committed to sustainability and producing wines in a responsible manner that respects the fruit and the land where it came from. The Taylor family also has an innovative spirit, and one of these innovations includes an Optimum Drinking Sensor that is on the back label of many of their wines.
Like the 2019 Wakefield Estate Chardonnay that I enjoyed just over a year ago, this vintage is also crafted with Chardonnay from Padthaway and Clare Valley. Although the percentage from each region was unspecified last time, this vintage is composed of 57% Padthaway and 43% Clare Valley Chardonnay. A small portion of this wine was barrel-fermented and stirred on its lees for 4 months. After 6-8 months of ageing in French oak, the wine was blended and bottled. Let's see how this 2020 Chardonnay is tasting tonight...
Tasting Note:
WAKEFIELD ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2020 - Padthaway & Clare Valley, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh with ripe apple, citrus, pear, and butter aromas nuanced with vanilla, lactic, and yoghurt notes. On the dry, medium+ bodied, and creamy palate it is lightly honeyed with citrusy, apple, pear, butter, and vanilla flavours supported by crisp, fresh acidity. Leesy mineral, apple, citrus, butter, with touches of sweet vanillin oak and saline linger on the long finish. Might be my favourite vintage so far. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts
Other lovely wines by Wakefield are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.