2019 Thomson Family Shiraz
TASTING NOTES
Colour: Very dark red, with a ruby hue
Bouquet: Very closed to begin, but opens in time to reveal a tapestry of deeply scented aromas including plum skins, exotic spices, concentrated dark fruits, rose petals and grilled nuts
Palate: Very rich although only medium bodied. It is broody then expansive, intense but round then focused to a first-class line and length.
Cellaring: This wine needs time to reveal its true character, 5 – 20yrs+.
Pairing: Try it with slow cooked shoulder of lamb in a rich sauce.
Vintage: 2019 was a warm, dry growing season which meant the vines ripened quickly and crops were lower than average. Sufficient water supply ensured the grapevines remained in good health and some February rain gave the vines a well-deserved drink and freshened them up before they were harvested.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Region: Great Western, Victoria
Grape Variety: Shiraz – Picked 5th March 2019 – Bottled 8th October 2020
Alcohol: 14%
Winemaker: Justin Purser
REVIEWS
James Halliday 2022 Wine Companion – August 2021
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 fruits, hints of sage and cassia bark with gentle leafiness. Oak and tannins, well, they are seamless and supple. A complex life awaits. Rating: 96 points
Winefront – Gary Walsh – April 2022
Come from the original 1868 plantings, which is quite something. Black and blue fruit, hazelnut, seaweed, a little nougat and spice. It’s blue fruited, quite dense and
firm, but also a little salty, with a fine chew to tannin, savoury and nutty, with old vine intensity and good carry on the finish. Good wine. Distinctive. Drink 2024- 2033+
James Suckling – October 2022
An extremely sophisticated and concentrated shiraz that’s so precise and focused on the beautifully balanced, medium-bodied palate. The interplay of fine tannins and lively
acidity is really fascinating. Very clean and long finish. From the Concongella Vineyard. Drink now or hold. Rating: 96 points
