David Ellis
BEST'S Wines in Victoria's Great Western have been producing outstanding Rieslings since 1866 when their original owners planted their pioneering young vineyards with cuttings they'd brought out from Germany.
And interestingly only two families have owned the Best's label since then: the Best's themselves to 1920, and the Thomson family who bought it then, and who in turn have owned it through five generations, the latest of whom are now the guardians of vines that are amongst the oldest in Australia.
Their 2010 Great Western Riesling is another stand-out wine from what winemaker Adam Wadewitz describes as "an outstanding growing season."
Early ripening meant the fruit could be picked at lower sugar levels, meaning wonderfully forward lemon and lime blossom flavours and nice acid balance.
With such a flavoursome front palate this is a wine that can be enjoyed with a range of dishes from spicy Asian through to crabmeat fritters, baked or barbecued pork, or even cold white-meat salads.
Certainly great value to enjoy at $25, and to reminisce on a taste of history.
ONE FOR LUNCH: THE Hunter Valley's Ballabourneen have released a Shiraz they've named after their rising-star winemaker, Dan "Buckets" Binet.
This 2007 Buckets of Hunter Shiraz is loaded with rich dark-fruitcake flavours of cooked plums, cedar oak, chocolate and hazelnuts.
There's a hit of roast almonds as well, and nice fine tannins. At $21 it's made to enjoy with a rich lasagne, a home-made beef pie, or a sunset platter of Australian cheddars and crackers. If you can't find it in your bottle shop, order through www.ballabourneen.com.au
(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out http://www.vintnews.com )
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
[] A TASTE of history with spicy Asian dishes or crabmeat fritters.
[] BUCKETS of flavour in this one from a Hunter Valley "rising star."
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