This wine was sent to me by the lovely Hannah Toy who works as part of the Grampians Tourism association PR team. Regular readers of this site will know that I harbour a love for the Grampians and its wines. It’s a truly beautiful area and Best’s has one of the most quaint, friendly and attractive cellar doors in the region. If you’d like to visit, the “Grampians Winter Rewards Program” is running until the 30th of August. Just click on the link for more info.
In vinous terms, when I think of the Grampians the first two varieties that come to mind are Shiraz and Riesling – although Viv Thomson, the fourth generation owner/vigneron at Best’s, is well-known for his comment that “if the Grampians wasn’t known for its Shiraz, it would be known for its Cabernet”. Perhaps he’s right. Anyway, Best’s have been on a bit of a run with their Great Western Riesling of late and the 2012 is no exception. I think there’s been a move towards leaving a bit of residual sugar in the wine since 2010. It doesn’t quite create the tension of Germanic expressions but for the most part it works admirably.
Zesty lime, wild florals and a suggestion of spiced orange peel. The palate has a crisp acid core but it’s relatively rounded and certainly lacking aggression. Baked apples and stonefruits fill out the middle before a pithy dryness and quartz-like minerality take charge of an enduring finish. This will please a lot of drinkers and I was rather fond of it myself. Very Good – Excellent
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $22
Tasted: August 2012