The Pioneer Shiraz

The Pioneer Shiraz

  • Clare Valley, 
  • South Australia, 
  • australia

Latest Awards

  • 91 points Wine Enthusiast , September 2021
Background

In 1969, after a considerable search, the Taylor family found a promising 178-hectare site by the Wakefield River in the Clare Valley. They were certain the soil – Terra Rossa (red loam over limestone) – would prove conducive to crafting wines of the highest quality. The contrast of warm days and cool nights in the Clare Valley would be equally beneficial – helping the grapes ripen in the day and allowing the vines to rest at night. The top Shiraz of the estate, The Pioneer, celebrates the innovative spirit of founder, Bill Taylor, who had conviction to do things differently, including planting Shiraz at a time when the varietal was only just emerging in popularity. It is made only in exceptional vintages and harvested from top estate parcels.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The Clare Valley is nestled high in the Mt. Lofty Ranges. Positioned 1,150ft a.s.l. and enjoying near constant sunny days, it yields wines that are rich, yet balanced by natural high acidity. This part of the Clare Valley receives roughly 1760 hours of sunshine per year, the highest of any premium wine region in Australia. A huge diurnal temperature range can result with a daytime temperate of 95˚F, plummeting down to 45˚F at night. The soils are very old and varied; the youngest soil dating back 640 million years. The most prominent soil in the area is Terra Rossa.

Winemaking & Aging

Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured in American oak barrels; 40% new, the remainder in 1, 2, and 3-year-old barrels. After 12 months aging, a careful barrel selection is made to identify the best ones, destined for this bottling. The selected few are aged for an additional 10 months prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

Generous and rounded at first with juicy, deep berry compote fruits then yielding to a tightly woven frame of firm yet generous tannins. Alluring, coconutty oak and fine dark chocolate characters, with a deep, soft center of ripe berry fruits. Elegant acid and light, long tannins carry the palate to deliver a lingering finish.

91
Points

This wine is currently in a quiet spot and needs either lengthy decanting or to be opened a day in advance of drinking. It’s only then that it feels cohesive, and the red fruit, floral and savory spice and umami notes start to shine. It’s tightly structured, with fresh acidity and sinewy tannins, and clearly built for the long haul. Hold through 2028. Taub Family Selections. —C.P.

Wine Enthusiast - September 2021

Appellation

Clare Valley

grape varieties

100% Shiraz

Sizes

750ml

technical details
  • ABV: 14%
  • TA: 6.54 g/l
  • RS: 0.3 g/l
  • Ph: 3.5
  • Closure: Screw Cap
winemaker

Adam Eggins

Wakefield

Exploring the Full Range of High-Quality Wakefield Wines

The Pioneer Shiraz The Pioneer Shiraz

Our Wines

Hand-selected, exceptional wines that deliver quality and enjoyment at every level.

Our Spirits

A distinctive selection of artisanal spirits that inspire creativity and exploration.

logo-monogram
Our latest Notes

From the PBI Journal