• The following 2018 Wakefield ‘Estate’ Shiraz is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select LCBO stores. After harvest from nearby estate vines, fruit was whisked to the winery, de-stemmed, gently pressed and stainless-steel fermented then transferred to American oak barrels for 100% malolactic conversion (a non-alcoholic fermentation that converts tart-tasting malic acid into softer lactic acid) then the wine blissfully matured for 12 months in the American oak barrels before bottling.

93 
Wakefield ‘Estate’ Shiraz 2018
Clare Valley $18.95 (943787) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of black cherry, berry and plum intertwine with baking spice and cocoa on the nose of this value-laden shiraz. It spreads over the palate creamy smooth and medium-plus bodied while unleashing a gusher of fruit-forward flavour of ripe mulberry, black plum and ripe Bing cherry adorned with balancing tang and a boatload of pizzazz. It showcases persistent purity of fruit, is balanced on a pin and sports a dry, delectable finish with palate replays plus a hint of cassis and dark, bittersweet chocolate. Pour with friends and slow-cooked lamb shoulder or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)