Best’s Great Western Bin 0 Shiraz is sourced from four estate blocks – the 1867 Thomson Family Block, the 1966 Bart’s Block, the 1970 Marcus’ Block and the 1992 Hill Block. The sites are chosen for both quality and the complexity offered by blending different characters present in each block. A degree of consistency is also able to be maintained across vintages.
This is right up there with the 2010 release although its structure may put it ahead by a nose. Flavour and aroma wise it runs along similar lines. Essence of plums and cherries, blueberry highlights, pepper and nutmeg spice, integrated choc-vanilla oak and violets. Velvety with impressive dynamics and superb depth. Long-strand tannins draw out the conclusion in a truly satisfying manner. Enjoyable now but built for the cellar. 95
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $85
Tasted: February 2014
Tried this on the weekend. Superb as always.
The ageing capacity and reliability of present and future world class brilliance is Wendouree-esque.
The Mount Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz has been the Grampians wine I have regularly splurged on from the 2006 – 2010 vintages with 2008 – 2010 the standouts. I was fascinated by Dan Buckle’s exploration of site and the stylistic movement that took place post Trevor Mast. I remain very interested in that wine but this is challenging its place on my shopping list. Having said that I feel that the Cliff Edge Shiraz is a superior fallback to the Bin 1, so that may also be a factor in the evolution of my buying habits. And I never did get to try the 2011 Bin 1.
2011 Bin 1 was exemplary, whereas I found 2011 Cliff Edge below its recent quality gains. Though in general, I would defer to Cliff Edge over Bin 1. As for Bin 0 versus Langi, I love and buy both. Bin 0 for its presence and ability to move people in greater proportion than Langi, especially when aged. But Langi for stylistic single vineyard cool climate brilliance for a propeller head like me. Probably why I buy both. They are different.
Haven’t tried the 2011 Cliff Edge yet but I’ll give it a whirl at some point. I fear the chance to taste the 2011 Bin 1 may have passed me by. Bin 0 and Langi very different – in exactly the way you mention. I would love to continue to buy both but I may have to make a choice soon purely due to financial constraints. If so I’ll be fascinated to see which stays on my list.
I also love both the Langi and Bin 0…but the recent price rises (Langi especially) has taken the wines off the “must buy” list. This has inadvertently turned my attention to wines from The Story and Jamsheed…so not all bad!
Simon