The Great Western range of wines provides an ideal introduction to the unique wine style of Great Western. These accessibly priced wines show detailed aromatic qualities set within a medium-bodied framework. The ‘continental’ climate, relatively unique in Australia, defined by cold nights and warm afternoons, means the fruit grown here develops flavours slowly through the day, building intense and varietal aromas and characters.

The Thomson Centenary Shiraz was created in 1993, to celebrate the centenary of the Thomson family’s settling in the area of Great Western. A special single vineyard wine, it was made from the 15  rows of the original 1868 Shiraz vines, planted by Henry Best, and once referred to as ‘Hermitage’ in Henry’s daily journal.

Today, this wine is only made in the very best vintage years and is called Thomson Family Shiraz. It has been made nine times in 20 years and has become a highly collectible and sought-after wine.  The 15 rows of original vines produce only very small amounts of fruit, cropped at less than two tonnes per acre (four tonnes per hectare) and then meticulously hand-harvested, selected and sorted.  Only approximately 300 cases of this flagship wine is released in our very ‘best’ years. 

Best's remains at the top of its game because of wines like this; wines that hold true to the Thomson family's winemaking philosophy, celebrating old vines and its distinguished sites. It all comes together beautifully, perfectly, in Thomson Family Shiraz. Tasted 1 year before release and it's already an elegant and noble wine. Dark berry fruit, hints of sage and cassia bark with gentle leafiness. Oak and tannins, well, they are seamless and supple. A complex life awaits. Drink to: 2042; Price: $250.00; Date Tasted: Feb 2021; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 96 Points; Jeni Port; James Halliday Wine Companion