Best’s Wines Announces New Winemaker: Justin Purser

Best’s Wines Announce

Best’s Wines today announced that Justin Purser has joined the Best’s Wines’ team as Winemaker. This appointment continues the Best’s tradition of winemakers working closely with the Thomson Family to produce the finest wines that Great Western can offer. Current winemaker, Adam Wadewitz, will be leaving Best’s to pursue other opportunities in the region in early 2012.

Justin Purser brings extensive international experience and perspective to Best’s Wines. After graduating from Adelaide University with a Bachelor of Science in Oenology. Justin worked at Primo Estate Wines in South Australia (also the home of Joseph Wines) for three years. From there he moved overseas where worked vintages at Peregrine Wines in Central Otago, New Zealand. Well known for its premium Pinot Noir. And Azienda Brezza Giacamo e Figli in Barolo, producer of fine wines from Italy.

Since 2008, he has been based at Domaine de Montille, Volnay, Cote d’Or in Burgundy where he supervised a team involved in the production of Grand Cru and  Premier Cru wines. Justin will be relocating back to Australia from France for his role of Winemaker at Best’s.

Best’s has been continuously producing exceptional wines with great longevity since 1866. Best’s patriarch, Viv Thomson and his son Ben, the Managing Director and Vineyard Manager, have worked with Best’s winemakers for the last forty years to ensure continuity of house style. While encouraging the winemakers to constantly look for ways to innovate and improve. This has resulted in a multitude of accolades and wine show trophies for different Best’s wines. Including the recent upgrading to “Excellent” classification from Langton’s for the Best’s Bin 0 Shiraz.

Ben Thomson said, “We are excited to have Justin on board as part of the new generation of winemaking at Best’s. His experience around the world is something we value very highly and we are looking forward to an excellent 2012 vintage. We also want to thank Adam for his great contribution to Best’s over the last six years. He will always remain a friend of the winery and our family. We wish him luck in the next chapter of his winemaking story.”