Wakefield- Australia's Most Acclaimed Wine arrives to U.S. by Darryl Beeson “The addition of Wakefield to our portfolio further demonstrates Brown-Forman’s commitment to growing our super premium wine portfolio,” said Lee Tatum, director of business development & new products. “Wakefield offers a broad range of super premium varietals...(to) include an Unwooded Chardonnay, Riesling, and Shiraz/Cabernet blend from the Promised Land range; Chardonnay, Riesling, and Shiraz from the Estate range; Riesling from the Jaraman range; and Cabernet Sauvignon from the St. Andrews range. Mitchell Taylor, president and winemaker of Wakefield Wines is delighted with the distribution agreement. “We are thrilled to be teaming up with a family company of Brown-Forman's stature and professionalism.” Wakefield uses a combination of ‘old world’ estate philosophy and ‘new world’ winemaking innovation that results in a range of wines that regularly receive both national and international awards and accolades. The wine’s success is evident, receiving more than 1800 medals and awards worldwide, including winning the 2005 International Wine & Spirit Competition trophies for Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Single Estate, as well as the 2006 Decanter World Wine Regional Trophy for Best Red Blend under £10, awarded to the 2004 Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet. The wines retail for $12.99 for the Promised Land range; $16.99 for the Estate range; $29.99 for the Jaraman range; and $49.99 for the St. Andrews range. After tasting and considering the spectrum of wines, this critic found them all to be of higher quality and complexities than the prices reflect. The message is to buy these wines. St. Andrews- In 1995 the Taylor family purchased the historic St. Andrews winery and vineyards located next door to their estate. The aim was to introduce a range of wines that sit at the pinnacle of theWakefield portfolio; designed to sit proudly alongside Australia’s iconic ultra-premium wines. The St. Andrews range showcases the history of the winery, originally founded in 1896, a hand-crafted winemaking approach and the finest of Clare Valley origins in these ultra- premium wines. The philosophy is to use the best parcels of fruit from the family estate and allow them to mature in the winery cellars before release. The extended maturation allows the wines to develop complex aged characters which allow the best qualities of individual varieties to shine. The first St. Andrews wines were released in 1999. The range included a cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, shiraz and riesling. Since the initial release, the wines have accumulated an impressive number of awards and continue to attract national and international recognition for their outstanding quality. Wakefield 100% under screw cap since August 2004- After more than three decades in the Clare Valley, Taylors Wines remains proudly family-owned and run. The vision to build Australia’s most successful family owned wine company was set by Bill Taylor who, in 1969, purchased land with his brother John and father Bill Taylor senior by the Wakefield River in Auburn. Due to international trademark restrictions, Taylors Wines are unable to export the Taylors brand to some markets. The Wakefield brand has been exported to Europe and the UK since 1985. A Family Affair- After more than three decades in South Australia’s Clare Valley, Taylors Wines remains proudly family owned and run. From day one, the vision to build Australia’s most successful family owned wine company was shared by the Taylor family, led by Bill Taylor who started the company with his father, Bill Taylor Snr, and his brother John Taylor in 1969. In Australia, the Taylors brand quickly established a strong reputation with their first vintage of cabernet sauvignon in 1973. The wine not only claimed gold medals at every national wine show but was also awarded the Montgomery Trophy at the prestigious Adelaide Wine show. The Taylor family began exporting to the UK and Europe in 1985. Due to international trademark restrictions, the family market the wines under the Wakefield label, named after the Wakefield river, which runs through the vineyard. Today, the family heritage continues to be nurtured and expanded under the watchful eye of Bill Taylor, who is Chairman of the company, and his sons. Mitchell is Managing Director and consulting winemaker. Mitchell’s brothers, Justin and Clinton also have key roles within the family firm. To remain at the forefront of the Australian wine industry, Taylors has continued to ensure the winery challenges world standards through progressive practices. This is seen in the family’s commitment to bottling all wines under screw cap from the 2004 vintage going forward - the first major Australian wine company to do so. The ability of Taylors/Wakefield to meld family tradition and innovation has resulted in more than 300 medals and awards, including winning the Great Value Red Wine of the Year Trophy at the London International Wine Challenge in consecutive years – 2003 and 2004. In 2005, the Taylor family confirmed their position as Australia’s premier winemakers by winning the prestigious Warren Winiarski International Trophy for the Best Cabernet Sauvignon and the International Wine & Spirit Competition Trophy for Best Single Estate Wine at the International Wine & Spirit Competition with the St Andrews 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. For more great wine suggestions, click here Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.