Best’s, Great Western (Victoria, Australia) Shiraz 2018

 This is a beautiful, seamless Shiraz with a dark ruby color and aromas of blackberries, blueberries and black cherries with hints of black olives and a touch of dried herbs.  The plush flavors of black and blue berries combine with dried herbal notes and comingle with vivid acidity and smooth as silk tannins.  Enjoy it with roast leg of lamb or Mushroom Stroganoff.  Winemaker Justin Perser ages the Bin No. 1 Shiraz 12 months in French oak barrels of various sizes.  After bottling he ages the wine 12 months before it is released, which contributes to the seamless quality of this Shiraz.  In 1866, Henry Best planted grapes in the Great Western region, which is a sub-region of Grampians.  Best died in 1920 and William Thompson, who was a grape grower, bought Best’s property, which his family continues to operate today.