Back in 1969, Bill Taylor bought 440 acres of land on the banks of the Wakefield River, near Auburn in the Clare valley. At this time, the Australian wine industry was focused on making fortified wines. But Bill wanted to make great Cabernet to rival the top wines of Bordeaux.

Taylors (known in export markets as Wakefield) have now released a super-cuvee Cabernet in honour of Bill, titled ‘The Visionary’. It’s an exceptional wine, and I suspect we’ll only really know how good it is in a couple of decades. I’m a big fan of Clare Cabernet: it’s under-appreciated.

This is an expensive wine (Aus$130), but compared with what Penfolds are asking for their Bin series wines these days, it’s a bargain of sorts, because it is pretty serious.

Wakefield (Taylors) The Visionary Exceptional Parcel Release 2009 Clare Valley, Australia
14% alcohol. Sweet, ripe, pure blackberry and blackcurrant fruit nose with some slightly savoury blackcurrant bud notes. The palate is sweet, concentrated, ripe and dense but also has freshness and good acidity. It’s essence of Cabernet Sauvignon, combining attractive sweet fruit with concentration and structure. I reckon it will age well. 94/100

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