The particularly rare Best’s Thomson Family Shiraz is one of Victoria’s greatest wines and represents a window to Australia’s winemaking past.
Like Henschke Hill of Grace and Penfolds Block 42 in the Barossa Valley, the Best’s Concongella Vineyard 1860s plantings at Great Western belong to Australia’s rich heritage of ancient genetic and pre-phylloxera vineyards.
The fifteen rows of dry-grown Shiraz vines, well over 140 years old, are the source material for the Thomson Family Shiraz.
95 Points James Halliday
More concentration of power and greater structure than Bin O; blackberry with splashes of licorice and spice; will be seriously long-lived and is not yet showing its best.
92 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Deep garnet in color with a touch of brick, the 2004 Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz is quite minty on the nose with stewed plums notes–still very fruity though, with tons of blackberry and dark chocolate suggestions. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, this is not as elegant and profound as the best vintages of this wine, though it certainly delivers on flavor and gives a good, long, satisfying finish.