A real insider’s wine, or another best kept secret, Great Western produces aromatic, flavoursome yet structured and spectacularly age-worthy Rieslings which stand confidently alongside their more famous South Australian cousins. The Great Western region lends itself well to producing exceptional Riesling – its diurnal weather patterns (warm days / cold nights) work well for the varietal. Some of our original nursery plantings can be traced back to Germany so there is a significant history and pedigree in the root stock of Great Western Riesling

Grown on the sandy loams of the Concongella Creek and the Rhymney Vineyard sites, and occasionally from selected local vineyards, Best’s Riesling shows the intensity and finesse which are hallmarks of the Great Western region. The wine is made to show true varietal characteristics, achieved by letting the pristine fruit shine above all else. It is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks, retaining the fruit’s inherent aromatics and acidity. Balance, texture and fruit flavour make for an accessible, food friendly wine. And while made to drink now, it will definitely age for many years to come. We can testify that Best’s Great Western Rieslings from the 1970s are drinking superbly now!

Victoria’s Great Western region is firmly established as one of the most consistent riesling growers (outside of traditional regions). Whiplash-fast out of the blocks, with its mix of citrus, apple and slate to the fore, this wine will coast through to 2034. Date: Nov 2023; Alcohol: 11.5%; Price: $27.00; Drink by: 2034; Rating: 95 Points & Top 100 Wines for 2023; James Halliday Wine Companion

Palish lemon/green colour with a jasmine pungency to the floral aromatics. The wine is juicy with a faint tickle of apparent sweetness, taking into the off-dry realm. Plenty of acidity to dry the finish. Good fruit intensity and persistence. An excellent off-dry riesling style. Drink: 2024 to 2035; Price: $27.00; Rating: 95 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review