Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Australia) - Wine Review (Apr. 2022)

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that returned to the LCBO in the April 16th VINTAGES Release last weekend.

Wakefield Wines was founded by the Taylor family in the Clare Valley of South Australia, in 1969. After many years of making wines for others, Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons wanted to create their own estate wines inspired by Bordeaux producers and settled by the Wakefield River in Clare Valley. Upon excavating the site to secure a water source, Bill discovered tiny seahorses in the limestone bedrock and served as a reminder that these lands were under water more than 600 million years ago. Today, three seahorses grace the labels of Wakefield Wines and represent three generations of Taylor family winemakers. Wakefield is one of the most respected names and consistently reliable producers in the industry. As a family-owned wine company operating for more than 50 years, Wakefield is committed to sustainability and has a desire to leave a legacy for future generations.

I first enjoyed the 2018 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon last September and am curious to see if it has evolved much over the past 7 months. Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes are actually from two regions - Clare Valley in the northern part of South Australia, and Coonawarra with its rich terra rossa soils located in the south. In 2018, Clare Valley experienced a warm and dry growing season that was also relatively and controlled, while avoiding major heatwaves. Coonawarra delivered excellent fruit quality at harvest due to the winter and spring rainfall providing good conditions for fruit set, followed by slow and cool ripening producing fruit with fine tannins and strong varietal characters.

Let's see how this 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley & Coonawarra, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95
Matured in French oak barrels (50% 1 year old, and the rest 2 and 3 year old) for 10-12 months before being bottled and enclosed by screw cap. The fresh, medium-high intensity nose leads with cool minty herbs, red & blackcurrant, cassis, and raspberry aromas layered over savoury earthy and wood spice notes. It's full-bodied and rich with pleasing minty herbs, currant, and earthy wood spice replays on the flavour profile and fresh, vibrant acidity. Ripe, structured tannins are smooth and refined with a very subtle chalky grip. Minty, currant, and mocha chocolate notes linger on the long, succulent finish. Give it a light chill and enjoy this recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

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