Tasting notes:

Wakefield Taylors Wines is a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, established in 2009 when 10 of Australia’s oldest and finest families came together to preserve the heritage and develop the narrative of the best of Australian premium wines. The Pioneer is named in honour of Bill Taylor, who had the foresight to plant Shiraz in the Clare Valley, when most of the vineyards were being given over to Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is this beautiful expression. Deep purple-cherry in colour, the wine has dark berry and Black Forest gâteau flavours overlaid by cacao and Madagascan vanilla. Dry, but sweet-fruited, the palate is full, rich and intense, balanced by crisp acidity and dense, powdery tannins. Lovely, elegant, integrated and textured, the wine will be a good match for Royal fillet of beef roasted with thyme, parsley, cracked black pepper and Dijon mustard. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)