2020 Best's Sparkling Shiraz, Great Western

Deep colour with a trace of purple in the meniscus, the bouquet sweetly spicy and blackberry scented, with a lift of pepper-spice and fresh herbs. In the mouth it's full and rich, again discreetly spicy, with a modest level of sweetness which leaves the mouth refreshed. Long aftertaste, super satisfying and delicious. The value is amazing. 22 Aug 2024 Drink 2024–2034

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Best’s Sparkling Shiraz from Great Western is a unique twist on the classic Australian Shiraz, offering a refreshing, sparkling take on this beloved variety. The Best’s name is synonymous with the Great Western region, known for its long history in winemaking and its ideal climate for producing exceptional red wines. Best’s, a family-owned winery established in 1866, has earned its place in Australian wine history with a commitment to quality, innovation, and respect for tradition.

This sparkling Shiraz stands out for its lively bubbles and rich fruit character, bringing a fun and festive vibe to any occasion. The fruit is sourced from the winery’s carefully managed vineyards in Great Western, where the cool nights and warm days produce Shiraz with the right balance of ripeness, freshness, and structure. The winemaking process uses the traditional method for sparkling wines, creating fine, persistent bubbles while preserving the bold, dark fruit flavors that are characteristic of Shiraz.

Best’s winemaker, Justin Purser, has taken this iconic wine to new heights with careful attention to detail, ensuring that the fruit’s vibrant character shines through in each bottle. The result is a sparkling wine that’s both rich and refreshing, with enough body and depth to stand out while still being light enough to be thoroughly enjoyable.

The wine itself offers a deep, rich color and a nose full of dark berries, like blackberry, black cherry, and plum, along with hints of chocolate, spice, and a touch of toasted oak. The bubbles add an elegant lightness to the wine, balancing the fruit’s intensity with a smooth, crisp finish. On the palate, it’s bold but refreshing, with those luscious dark fruit flavors complemented by a hint of sweetness and a soft, mousse-like texture. The finish is smooth, lingering with a touch of spice and berry fruit.

Perfect for celebrations, especially at Christmas, where its rich flavors and festive bubbles make it a great pairing with roasted meats, charcuterie, or even a Christmas pudding. It’s also a fantastic wine to enjoy on its own, whether you're celebrating with family or just enjoying a glass with friends. Offering great value for its quality, this sparkling Shiraz is a wonderful way to add something unique and special to your wine collection.