Best’s Great Western Cellar Door

A trip back in time.

18 January 2016

Apparently Dolcetto is the ‘next’ big thing

I have had limited exposure to Best’s. Primarily the Bin 0 Shiraz. Their contribution to the wine industry in the Grampians, Victoria and Australia is worth the visit.

History can be found here

The wines aside, it is worth the visit to tour the underground cellars at Best’s. It is amazing to walk through these old cellars.

‘Corker’ in front

The line up was extensive.

For the most part the wines are well made and good examples of variety.

There were some standouts.

1999 Best’s Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon

Purple fading to brick red.

Savoury olives and spices on the nose. Hints of crushed herb and fading plums and dark fruits.

Fading tannins balanced with a complex well balanced mouth feel.

This is a great example of aged Victorian Cabernet and indication of how well these wines will cellar.

2000 Best’s Great Western Merlot

I held little hope that this wine. Outside of Bordeaux I consider Merlot lacking in both style and substance. Often lacking the tannins and structured acid required for cellaring.

Brick red.

Holding together… just. Savoury and a little oxidised. Tannins faded yet there remains some structure.

This is not a great wine. What it was is surprise. An Australian Merlot holding together at over 15 years old.

2012 Best’s Great Western Bin 1 Shiraz

Blueberries, potpourri and liquorice combines with white pepper.

Plums and more berries on the palate. Dusty tannins with a lingering finish.

A very good representation of cool climate Shiraz.

2012 Best’s Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon

Black currant and black berries. Cigar box and dried petals.

Dark fruits and a textured mouth feel. A lingering structured finish.

A good expression of Cabernet. Given the pedigree of the 1999 I can assume this will age gracefully.

2012 Best’s Great Western Bin 0 Shiraz

After the flagship Thompson’s Shiraz the Bin 0 is Best’s classic example of cool climate Victorian Shiraz.

There is a lot going on here. White pepper, herbs, spices and flowers framed by blue and black berry fruit.

Plenty of fruit on the palate. Perfectly balanced. Great length with fine well integrated tannins.

A classic wine. History suggests this will age for decades.

Port casks

Underground concrete white fermentation tank has been converted into a storage room

You can only wonder how the 1969 Great Western Shiraz is drinking

Thousands of bottles like this. Unlabelled and not dated

The cellar (just a small part of it)