2015 Taylors The Pioneer Shiraz, Clare Valley

Fully destemmed, cold soaked and fermented under the aegis of sturdy, inoculated yeasts in open American oak barrels. Following pressing, the wine was then transferred back to the same barrels, this time with heads reassembled, for malolactic. Ensuing maturation in American oak (40% new) took place for 12 months. This spiel is light years from what is going on in contemporary Australian wine and yet, the plush avuncular cherry, bourbon anise and mocha-scented fruit sweetness has its charms and presumably at this sort of pricing, plenty of fans. Fully loaded.

93 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

This a commanding wine with multiple layers of intense, lush dark berry fruit followed by spicy fruitcake and then seductive mocha. The palate is full and generous but with precision to the structure and the texture most appealing with velvety, mouth-coating tannins mingling harmoniously with fruit and spice. Elegant acids and light, long tannins carry the palate to a persistently rewarding finish.

Taylors The Pioneer Shiraz represents a bold step and continued journey across generations to craft refined and distinctive wines that rival the world's best. The Pioneer is an exceptional Clare Valley Shiraz crafted from the very finest fruit grown by and available to the Taylor family.