Overview
Best's Thomson Family Shiraz is a flagship wine from Great Western, Victoria, produced from some of Australia's oldest Shiraz vines, originally planted by Henry Best in 1868. Made only in exceptional vintages, this distinguished wine combines remarkable concentration, elegance and longevity with the character of its historic vineyard origins.
Vineyard & Viticulture
The Thomson Family Shiraz is produced predominantly from fifteen rows of original 1868 Shiraz vines, recorded as "Hermitage" in Henry Best's daily journal. These historic vines are associated with the Concongella clone, also known as the Best's Old Block clone, which became the mother clone for subsequent Shiraz plantings at Best's Great Western.
Yields are restricted to less than two tonnes per acre (four tonnes per hectare), with fruit meticulously hand-harvested, selected and sorted. First produced in 1993, Thomson Family Shiraz is released only in exceptional years.
Vintage
Below-average winter rainfall in 2004 restricted yields as the vines struggled to find water. Welcome summer rains subsequently brought about an even, low-stress ripening period for the 2005 vintage.
Producer Tasting Notes
Original Vintage Tasting Notes — Best's Great Western
Colour
Beautiful deep purple hues.
Bouquet
Ripe and generous fruit on the nose, deep dark berries. Varietal shiraz grape aromas.
Palate
Rich and detailed, layers of complex, finely interwoven fruit and tannin supported ably by fine French oak. Long and powerful finish with soft crumbling tannins.
Recent Tasting Assessment — Jacob Parton and Winemaking Team
Tasted July 2025
Ruby red, cherry ripe aroma. Dark cherry plum, dark berry bramble, cedar, tannin, dark spice, tight and fresh.
Some white Pepper and wet earth, flavours are in the secondary phase tannins have evolved into a slippery viscous mouthcoating experience raspberries and tar 10-12+ years.
Critic Reviews
96/100 — The Wine Front
95/100 — Tom Cannavan
"Rich, pure, lovely fruit richness and supple quality. Very polished this, super-fine tannins and elegant acid balance."
Tasted January 2024
95/100 — Jeremy Oliver
Tasted January 2006
Recommended Drinking Window: 2035–2045.
95/100 — James Halliday Wine Companion
"The depth to this wine speaks volumes about the quality of fruit; powerful and full of dark fruits…"
Reviewed 2009
Huon Hooke — The Real Review
"Palate fleshy and smooth, not big or especially powerful but with lovely texture and balance. Seamless."
Specifications
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Vintage: 2005
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Producer: Best's Great Western
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Wine: Thomson Family Shiraz
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Country: Australia
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Region: Great Western, Victoria
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Grape Variety: Shiraz
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Vineyard: Original 1868 Shiraz plantings
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Vine Age: Planted in 1868
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Harvest: Hand-harvested
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Yield: Less than 4 tonnes per hectare
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Oak: French Oak
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Alcohol: 14%
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Drinking Window: 2020–2045
