Best’s Great Western Riesling 2020

96 Points & Top 100 Wines of 2020 James Halliday
96 Points Nick Stock
95 Points & 5 Stars Ralph Kyte-Powell

Riesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860s. From subsequent plantings in 1944 and 1978, Riesling became a significant part of our regime. The Riesling vines from Great Western produce flavoursome, elegantly structured, spectacularly age-worthy Rieslings which stand confidently alongside some of the most outstanding Australian examples of the variety. In recent times, the style has evolved to match the continental climatic conditions to a beautifully balanced wine with texture and aromatics.

The Rieslings of Best’s have a proven ability to mature gracefully for 20 years or more. This example is no exception and its youthful freshness is a good sign for its long life in the cellar. It will gather complex toasty aromas and flavours as the years pass. Drink with fresh Southern Rock Lobster grilled with Kerry Gold butter.

“Pale and greenish-tinged, this ripe, fragrant riesling has scents of lime, wildflower honey and bath salts. It’s intense with quenching acidity carrying a long, elegantly poised palate of lovely fruit concentration. A pristine regional wine of great quality” – 95 Points & 5 Stars Ralph Kyte-Powell for The Real Review

“Such expressive and fragrant aromas of fresh lemons, sliced pears and apples, as well as wet stones. Lots to like here. The palate has a very intense, mouthwatering core of citrus and white peach, driven by intense acidity. Low-yielding vintage with high-quality grapes. Will age very well.” – 96 Points Nick Stock

“The vines are direct descendants of the 1866 plantings in the nursery block. A core of sweet lime-juice essence and spine-tingling acidity makes a wine that follows in the footsteps of its multi-gold-medal-winning predecessors. An indefinite lifespan.” – 96 Points & Top 100 Wines of 2020 James Halliday