Crafted from 15 rows of original plantings that are now around 145 years old. That’s some serious history in a bottle. This is actually the first time I’ve ever had the opportunity to taste Best’s flagship wine and I must admit I was half-expecting something crass and oaky. That’s not at all what I got.
It’s bigger and more powerful than the Bin 0 with the fruit spectrum concentrating on plums and blackberries. Cocoa, extremely complex spice and more than enough intensity to match what is obviously high-grade oak tastefully applied. Tannic impact and length to burn along with a certain earthiness that imparts further gravitas. The quality of the grapes is clearly outstanding. All class. Will make glorious old bones. 96
Region: Grampians
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $200
Tasted: February 2014
One of the few $200 wines where, all things considered, the price tag is highly justifiable. I loved the small glass of the 2010 I was able to try a while back and this sounds equally impressive.
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. It will attract criticism but I have no issue with the price. I was privileged enough to have a glass of the 1994 beside this and I have little doubt the 2012 will be every bit as special in time. This is not an “everyday” wine – for most of us it will only be on very special occasions that we will able to enjoy it. But it stands up on the world stage. I don’t complain about the price on the very rare occasion when I buy, for instance, a good vintage of Clape Cornas and in terms of quality I believe this sits at a comparable level of quality. It just offers something different.