2014 Best's Sparkling Shiraz, Great Western

The sparkling Shiraz style is synonymous with Great Western and has been made in the region since the early 1900s. Best’s Great Western Sparkling shiraz was re-introduced at Best’s in 2006, after almost 40 year absence.Best’s Sparkling Shiraz epitomises the regional characteristics with plenty of spice and plummy fruit characters. The base wine is left on lees for 20 months or more. The dosage for this wine contains a small quantity of very old Best’s Liqueur Muscat that gives the wine added layer of complexity.

2014 Best’s Sparkling Shiraz has very dark red colour and an opulent purple mousse with fine bubble. Complex bouquet displays aromas of blueberries, plums, black olives, pepper and grilled nuts. Palate is medium to full with savoury mouthfeel and fine bead of bubbles giving this wine a long persistent finish.Great to drink now but will soften and continue to develop complexity for the next 15 years or more. Drink it on its own or with crumbly old cheddar.

95 pts – Huon Hooke

Deep red colour with the trace of purple. The bouquet is savoury, with dried herb and earthy notes, traces of vanilla, chocolate and spices. The wine is rich and medium to full-bodied with appropriate mid-palate sweetness followed by drying but soft tannins and touch of licorice.There’s a pleasant touch of bitterness on the finish and aftertaste which helps cleanse the palate. Good length and balance.