Background

All artists have a signature. A mark that signifies everything they stand for in a few elegant strokes. For Wakefield, St Andrews is that signature. Every bottle is a testament to their winemaking philosophy and a showcase for their hand-crafted approach to winemaking.

The first Wakefield St. Andrews wines were released in 1999 and have developed a reputation as benchmark examples of great Clare Valley wine. As the flagship, St Andrews is only released in the finest vintages.

Appellation

Clare Valley, Australia

Varietal Composition

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaking

Each parcel was de-stemmed and transferred directly to separate potter fermenters. Each parcel was fermented at 24˚ to 26˚C over a period of five to seven days using the FX10 Cabernet Sauvignon yeast. The A70 parcel was left on skins for almost a month prior to pressing to extract additional
tannin complexity from this individual component. Between May 2010 and June 2011, two thirds of each of the parcels was matured in a selection of 2010 first use French oak barrels and the balance in a selection of one year old fine grain French oak barrels. After thirteen months, the wine was blended (assemblage) and returned to 10% first use 2011 French oak barrels and the balance in a selection of one, two and three year old fine
grain French oak barrels. Prior to bottling, individual tasting was undertaken for each of the components. The final wine reflects a mix of the fruit harvested from the chosen exceptional vineyard blocks of approximately 48% Lodden, 27% A70, 10% Angela, 6% Wakefield, 5% Oldlands and 4% A10.

Tasting Notes

Perfumed and concentrated with great focus and balance between exuberant fresh vinosity and fine-grain oak that closes around the youthful bouquet. Classic savory tannins and explosive core of generously proportioned cassis and dark fruits at its heart. Finely stated oak tannins and vinous richness intertwine perfectly and lead to a thoroughly satisfying, elegant and tightly-defined finish.