Best’s Bin 0 Shiraz 2016

“The deep, exotic complexity and supple tannin embrace of old vines define an alluring Bin 0 of brooding black fruit density, layered mixed spice complexity and subtle game complexity, uniting and enduring in effortless harmony on a finish of profound persistence. An epic Bin 0.” 97 points – The Top 20 Wines of the Year Under $100 Tyson Stelzer 5 June 2017

The combination of quality, style and price make this a no-brainer. You can buy this with absolute confidence. Its fresh-faced and fruit driven but notes of cloves, gum leaves, undergrowth and toasty oak add various other angles and perspectives. Theres a silken, almost creamy aspect to the texture but the fruit remains vigorous; it has the liveliness of nerves. Balance is spot on, so too tannin and length.

“One of the most attractive things about the classical Bests Great Western red wine style is the texture. That glossy, plum essence roundness seems to come without the cost of heat or excess. Its just a full, enveloping and charming style.

This 15 is a classical Bests Great Western red too.

Youd almost call that fruit molten, such is the perfect flow in this iteration. Like a wave of spiced purple berry compote washing over your palate. The oak folds into that fruit too, adding a vague vanilla bean highlight, but largely just contributing more textural layers. Critically, whilst its ripe (and a warm year wine), it feels sunny, not cooked ie plums, not prunes and its a quintessentially mid-weight wine. The tannins, too, are almost elegant, the acid correct, the finish just a little warm but not hot.

Ultimately this is classic wine. Youd want to wait an extra year, as it still doesnt feel like its giving up all its goodies yet (hence the plus sign). Beyond next year? I have no doubt this will be a 30 year wine.

Best drinking: 2019-2039. 14%. 18.5/20, 94/100+. Would I buy it? I really would. Lovely.”

Andrew Graham
Australian Wine Review