A unique Australian wine, Best’s Great Western Sparkling Shiraz was re- introduced at Best’s in 2006 after an almost 40 year absence. Part of our proud history, the sparkling Shiraz style is synonymous with the Great Western and has been made in the region since the early 1900s. Releasing a sparkling version of Best’s famous Shiraz was a natural progression and a great opportunity for Best’s Great Western to refine the style of sparkling Shiraz from the region.

Best’s Sparkling Shiraz epitomises the regional characteristics with plenty of spice and plummy fruit characters. The base wine is left on yeast lees on bottle for 22 months or more and disgorged in the traditional method. The dosage liqueur for this wine contains a small quantity of very old Best’s Liqueur Muscat that gives the wine an added layer of interest and complements the style.

​The bouquet shows layers of aroma: roses, plum pudding, nutmeg, parmesan rind, blackberry and dark spices. Add in an undertone of meatiness and brioche from the lees contact in bottle and it demands to be tasted. The palate has a broody and rich mouthful of fresh berries soaked in a spiced liqueur with a sprinkling of cocoa. The finish is seamless with a refreshing acidity and creamy effervescence to counter balance the fruit.

Deep colour with a trace of purple in the meniscus, the bouquet sweetly spicy and blackberry scented, with a lift of pepper-spice and fresh herbs. In the mouth it's full and rich, again discreetly spicy, with a modest level of sweetness which leaves the mouth refreshed. Long aftertaste, super satisfying and delicious. The value is amazing. Date Tasted: August 2024; Drink: 2024 to 2034; Price: $35.00; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 95 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review