2025 Best's Great Western Pinot Noir Rose, Great Western

The Best’s Great Western Pinot Noir Rosé is a delicate and expressive wine that shows the lighter, more playful side of this historic Victorian estate. Established in 1866, Best’s is one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, famous for its ancient Shiraz and Pinot Meunier plantings, but in recent years its Rosé has gained a reputation for quality and charm. Crafted from cool-climate Pinot Noir grown in the Great Western region of the Grampians, it reflects both finesse and freshness, underpinned by the estate’s meticulous viticulture.

The vineyards sit on a mix of granite, quartz and clay-loam soils, which provide fruit intensity and mineral drive. Great Western’s cool climate, with its long ripening season and chilly nights, is perfect for producing Pinot Noir with lifted aromatics and natural acidity. Grapes are harvested early to capture vibrancy, then whole-bunch pressed and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to retain fruit purity. A short time on lees adds texture without compromising the wine’s crisp, dry finish.

In the glass, it shines a pale salmon pink. The nose is fragrant and inviting, with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry interwoven with rose petal, citrus zest and a hint of spice. The palate is fresh and lively, offering juicy red fruits balanced by fine acidity and a subtle mineral edge. A soft, textural mid-palate leads into a dry, elegant finish with a whisper of savoury complexity.

Food pairings are versatile and seasonal: charcuterie, grilled prawns, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or vegetarian dishes like roasted beetroot salad, caprese with heirloom tomatoes or zucchini fritters. While crafted for immediate enjoyment, it will hold for 2 to 3 years, developing gentle savoury notes with time.