Vintage
2019
ABV
14%
Wine Type
Red
Wine Style
Still
Wine Description
The Thomson Family Shiraz is produced from Henry Best’s original 1868 Shiraz plantings, and only available in exceptional years, on average about six times a decade. Thomson Family Shiraz is hand harvested, hand plunged and fermented in small open fermenters. The wine is only produced in years when the quality is second to none. The Thomson Family Shiraz was elevated to the highest and rarest Langton’s Classification of “Exceptional” in the 2018 Classification VII. It is the only Victorian Shiraz in this category.
Accolades
JAMES HALLIDAY 2022 WINE COMPANION – Jeni Port- Rating 96 points
Best’s remains at the top of its game because of wines like this; wines that hold true to the Thomson family’s winemaking philosophy, celebrating old vines and its distinguished sites. It all comes together beautifully, perfectly, in Thomson Family Shiraz. Tasted 1 year before release and it’s already an elegant and noble wine. Dark berry fruits, hints of sage and cassia bark with gentle leafyness. Oak and tannins, well, they are seamless and supple. A complex life awaits,
JAMES HALLIDAY 2020 WINE COMPANION – Rating 99 points
Hand-picked and sorted 1868 planting, 50% crushed, 45% whole berry, 5% whole bunch. You’d stand up for royalty, and that’s this wine. To use the spit bucket is lèse-majesté. Just savour it, drop by drop, as it magically finds its way down your throat. It’s got the full rainbow of cool-grown shiraz flavours, a conjunction with a year made for it by Dionysius and, glory be, comes with a screwcap. Drink to 2067
Winemaker's Bio
Justin Purser brings extensive international experience and perspective to Best’s Wines. After graduating from Adelaide University with a Bachelor of Science in Oenology, Justin worked at Primo Estate Wines in South Australia. From there he moved overseas where he worked vintages at Peregrine Wines in Central Otago, New Zealand, and Azienda Brezza Giacomo e Figli in Barolo. Between 2008 and 2011, Justin supervised a team at Domaine de Montille, Volnay, in Burgundy, where he oversaw the production of Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. In November 2011, Justin relocated from France for his role as Winemaker at Best’s.
