Best's Great Western Chardonnay

Wine information: Best’s has been producing wine in the Great Western wine region of Victoria for over 140 years. Only 2 families have owned Best’s since it was founded – wines were first made by the Best family in 1866 and the estate was bought by the Thomson family in 1920. For the past 50 vintages fourth generation vintner Viv Thompson has been in charge of crafting Best’s wines, taking the “best” of modern innovation and blending it with tradition to arrive at wonderfully balanced and distinct Aussie wines. Best’s is now run by Viv’s son, Ben Thomson, the fifth generation of the Thomson family. The headquarters of Best’s is located at “Concongella” very close the Great Western and “Salvation Hills” at Rhymney. The unique terroir at Great Western contributes to the success of Best’s - the land along the Concongella creek is flat with powdery loam overlaying a deep clay sub-soil while newer plantings are sited on frost free hills. A long, slow-ripening period and continental climate are characteristics of Great Western. Chardonnay was one of the varietals planted first in the Concongella Vineyard in the 1970’s even though cuttings were extremely hard to come by at the time. Best’s winemaker Adam Wadewitz has considerably experience and a passion for making Chardonnay, having worked at outstanding Chardonnay producers like Petaluma and Brokenwood. Best’s Great Western Chardonnay is picked early to ensure good acidity and to make sure there is no excess sugar, a feature that has been seen in other Chardonnay styles from the region. The wine does not undergo any malolactic fermentation and is partially fermented in stainless steel with the use of wild yeasts. It is aged in 100% French Oak (usually 20-30% is new). Adam’s intention is to produce a refined, balanced and light wine, driven by clean acid that will age well.

Tasting Notes: Best's Great Western Chardonnay is a rich, full flavoured Chardonnay demonstrating clever varietal characteristics. A well integrated wine with clean oak, fresh fruit and a rich buttery palate. Further richness will develop with maturation.

Food & Wine match: Will complement most fish, pasta or chicken dishes.

Reviews: "Tight, restrained and very youthful citrus bouquet; elements of roasted nuts, and fine, vibrant acidity on the quite ample and long finish." James Halliday, Australia Wine Companion

 
     

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