Seppelt has pioneered Great Western sparkling shiraz since the 1890s and I have been privileged to witness the stamina of great bottles from the 1950s and 1960s. Grand longevity is the key to this style, and even on release at a decade of age (eight years of which were spent on lees) the fruit of the Seppelt Great Western vineyard itself demands a long time yet to fully blossom. 

Whole-berry fermentation, powdery tannins in the base wine, with 7+ years on lees. The dosage of 21g/l is at the bottom end of the scale. A complex bouquet, with notes of spice, pepper and leather. Shiraz shines in this wine, tannins adding to the appeal. Drink to: NA; Price: $100.00; Date Tasted: Jan 2019; Alcohol: 13%; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star & Top 100 Wines for 2020; James Halliday Wine Companion

Very deep, dark red colour with a tinge of purple remaining. The bouquet is very deep and earthy and mysterious, with notes of ironstone, black licorice and fresh-turned earth. These flavours re-appear in the mouth with dominant blackberry fruit and subtle fungal, earth notes as well as licorice and mixed spices. A twinge of VA (volatile acidity) doesn't concern me. It's full-bodied and powerful, in impeccable condition at 11 years old, with many more in front of it. The tannins and sweetness are perfectly balanced. A glorious wine. Drink: to 2026; Price: $100.00; Alcohol: 13%; Rating: 96 Points (Ranked #1) ; Huon Hooke; The Real Review