2024 Best's Young Vine Pinot Meunier, Great Western

Best’s Young Vine Pinot Meunier from Great Western is a beautifully aromatic and juicy red that offers a vibrant window into one of Australia’s rarest and most historically significant grape varieties. Best’s is the undisputed pioneer of Australian Pinot Meunier, with vines dating back to the 1860s—some of the oldest in the world. This Young Vine bottling comes from more recent plantings, allowing the team to showcase a fresher, more approachable expression while preserving the charm and finesse that Meunier is known for.

Located in the Grampians region of western Victoria, Best’s Great Western vineyard sits on ancient gravelly loam soils with a cool continental climate that gives Meunier the perfect conditions to thrive. The region’s wide diurnal range ensures freshness, bright acid, and perfumed aromatics in every vintage.

Winemaking is minimal to let the fruit do the talking. The grapes are handpicked and fermented with indigenous yeasts, using gentle extraction techniques to preserve the lightness and florals of the variety. A short maturation in seasoned French oak helps add texture without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.

In the glass, it opens with pretty aromas of raspberry, rose petal, red cherry, and crushed herbs. The palate is light to medium bodied with soft tannins, juicy red fruit, and a silky texture that finishes with a gentle savoury twist. It’s incredibly drinkable and shows off Meunier’s unique blend of softness and aromatic lift.

Perfect with charcuterie, roast chicken, or mushroom dishes, this wine offers a fresh, modern take on a historic Australian rarity—vibrant, graceful, and quietly distinctive.