To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Wakefield Wines of the Clare Valley in South Australia has released “The Legacy” — an iconic $1,000 AUD (it’ll retail for about $995 in Ontario) 2014 Bordeaux blend, consisting of 91% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,080 bottles have been produced.

With Profile Wine Group serving as the host, Master of Wine Neil Hadley made the trip to Toronto on May 28, 2019, to introduce the wine to a select group at the Four Seasons, including an explanation of a cutting-edge technology that will make counterfeiting this remarkable wine impossible.

The new technology involves a GPS-trackable chip embedded in the cap and down the side of the top of the neck. As soon as the screw cap is broken, a signal immediately alerts Wakefield that that particular bottle (each is numbered) has been opened. That means that potential fraudsters will never be able to auction off a counterfeit version of that bottle.

And yes, with 15 years of screw-cap-sealing experience, and a long reputation of producing premium wines, the family-owned Wakefield is a big believer in the screw cap approach—even for its most premium wine ever.

As for the contents, as Hadley noted at the event, “This is the best wine the Taylor family has ever made.” It’s phenomenally balanced and mouth-filling. The Cabernet tannins are there, but already softened at just five years of age. Subtle cassis, rich red fruit and perfumy. And with a length that draws on forever.

Is it worth $1,000? Only if money is no object.

But you might want to make friends with someone who purchases one of these gems, and then book an appointment in 10-15 years to sample the contents.