Under the radar.
There are plenty of high quality wine producers that sit under the radar. Best’s is certainly one of them. It is difficult to understand why. They have a history as long and celebrated as Henschke, a similar, family owned estate. They have a portfolio to rival Penfold’s, yet have not suffered the constant restructuring, rebranding and repricing corporate owned wineries endure. The only reason that comes to mind is the region is not on trend. Great Western just has no push in the saturated market of on point wine regions.
The Thomson family shiraz can rival some of Australia’s great wines, and the Bin 0 consistently performs and cellars for decades. The oldest Pinot Meunier vines in the country, produces incredible expressions of the variety in good vintages. The Riesling in good years can rival the Seppelt Drumborg. The list goes on.
Best’s is one of Australia’s most historically important wineries. Its portfolio is outstanding. Someone needs to make this place cool, if only for the history. The images below from our 2015 visit do not do it justice.
Decanted for sediment.
Brick red with a clearing orange rim. On the nose the primary fruit is starting to fade and the wine is savoury. Dried flowers, dried herbs, leather and tobacco. The fruit sits in the background, dried black fruits. On the palate the acid has softened and while the wine remains in balance, it is starting to fade. Like the acid, the tannins are soft and integrated, although the wine has a long, lingering finish. Savoury herbs and leather dominate the palate. It is a little tired, probably just past its best drinking, but remains excellent. Quite remarkable for a twenty year old wine that sells for $30AUS for the current vintage.
Drink now.
90 pts.
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