BEST’S PRESS KIT

THE STORY OF BEST’S GREAT WESTERN THE STORY OF THE STORY OF BEST’S GREAT WESTERN BEST’S GREAT WESTERN

CONTENTS

The Story of Best’s Great Western The Story of Best’s...... 4 The Best Family...... 5 The Thomson Family...... 6 Viv Thomson OAM ...... 7 Best’s Vineyards...... 8 The Story of Best’s Winemaking. . . . . 10 Justin Purser, Best’s Winemaker ...... 11 Best’s Wine Ranges Notable Best’s Wines...... 12 Best’s Price list...... 15 Best’s Cellar Door – The Stables Great Western ...... 18 and Great Western Regional Facts...... 19 Contact Details...... 20

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THE STORY OF BEST’S THE BEST FAMILY

est’s has been making wines OSEPH AND HENRY along the creek. He named the uninterrupted since 1866, striving to BEST immigrated as children property Concongella. craft expressive, authentic regional Jto Australia from Surrey, While his knowledge of wine was wines in ’s Great Western region. England in 1834. The family first minimal, Henry’s capacity for work Best’s has been owned by two landed in Tasmania but moved to was profound. He built the original families since 1866 – the Best family, soon after. In the 1850s, winery and underground cellars Bwho founded the winery; and today, the Thomson family, the brothers moved west to Ararat, using his own hands and the skilled having purchased the property after Henry Best’s death Victoria, with thousands of other labour of local gold miners; both are in 1920. Best’s is now run by Viv Thomson’s son, Ben fortune seekers in the Victorian still in working use today. Thomson, the fifth generation of the Thomson family to Gold Rush. The Bests were Henry Best’s meticulous manage the winery. entrepreneurial types and saw more attention to detail, experimentation Best’s old vineyards, planted in the 1860s, are among the profit in looking after the miner’s and desire to find the best grape oldest and rarest pre-phylloxera plantings in the world. The requirements, so they formed a varieties for his vineyard resulted invaluable Best’s Nursery Block contains almost 40 varieties butchery business supplying meat in Best’s wines becoming well (some unidentified to this day). to the miners. known in England and throughout Henry Best’s vineyard team As one of Australia’s oldest and continuously family In 1865, Joseph Best noted during the 1870s Europe. That attention to detail and owned and operated wineries, Best’s crafts extraordinary the early success of the first wine innovation is highly valued at Best’s and iconic wines of elegance and longevity. The flagship growers in the district and planted vines for himself with and is still evident in all its wine production today. wine, Best’s Thomson Family Shiraz, has an “Outstanding” cuttings from the original St Peters Vineyard nearby. The After Henry’s death, his son Charles sold the enterprise designation from the revered Langton’s auction house and following year, his brother Henry established his own vineyard in 1920 to second-generation local vigneron Frederick P. Best’s Bin No. 0 Shiraz is rated “Excellent”. One of Best’s ancient 1868 Shiraz plantings to the west, named after the Concongella Creek. Henry Thomson. And so, it was at this time that the Thomson planted 30 hectares of vines with about 3km of frontage family’s career with this famed winery began.

1834 1866 1867 1869

Henry Best arrives Henry Best purchases Henry and his family Henry Best built the from England in land in Great Western. clear land along the winery’s stables and Tasmania as a child. He calls the property Concongella Creek and cellar, both of which Concongella. plant the first vines of are still in use today. Best’s Great Western.

The historic Thomson Family Vineyard, Henry Best Henry Best’s diary planted near the Concongella Creek in 1867 Best’s visitors can tour the underground cellars

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THE THOMSON FAMILY VIV THOMSON OAM

ILLIAM THOMSON native Scotland, Mrs Thomson rederick Pinchon’s son Frederick (Eric) arrived in Australia died suddenly and two days later, continued the family dynasty with his Wfrom Scotland in William Thomson followed his son Eric Viv Thomson, who went on to 1876 where he learnt the baking wife, dying quietly in his sleep. become one of Australia’s longest working trade. After a stint working in Both were buried at sea. winemakers. Viv is a graduate of the Melbourne at his own bakery and His son Frederick, now in acclaimed Roseworthy College and is catering business, he sold it in sole charge of the winery, Fthe fourth-generation vigneron at Best’s with more than 1892, and moved the family to bought the Best’s business from 50 consecutive vintages under his belt. Best’s owes its . Henry’s son Charles Best and the reputation and numerous accolades to Viv Thomson. William purchased Lorimer’s, rights to use the Best’s Great Viv has been recognised by the Melbourne Food & Wine an orchard, vineyard and working Western name for £10,000 Festival as a “legend” for his services to the wine industry. winery at Rhymney, the hilly and added the Concongella He was also President of the Industry Bill, Eric (Viv’s father) and Frederick (Viv’s grandfather) country behind Ararat. It Thomson conducting a tasting Vineyard to the Fairview and Association for many years, and was recognised with a happened to be 13km south of St Andrews Vineyards. Distinguished Service Award. Viv was recognised for his Henry Best. Together with his 16-year-old son, Frederick Economic decline and The Depression forced the sale of services to the wine industry by being awarded an Order Pinchon Thomson, William built a new homestead and called the original St Andrews Vineyard in 1927 and the family of Australia Medal in the General Division as part of the the property St Andrews. Between 1892 and 1900, the homestead was relocated to the Concongella property. Then, 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours. property steadily increased and established the Thomson in 1930, pioneering the wine industry in the Swan Hill region, Viv Thomson’s son, Ben, is now Managing Director and family as one of Victoria’s most successful wine families. the family purchased a small-holding called Misery Farm, Vineyard Manager for Best’s. He has worked with the family In 1908, Frederick Hamill Thomson, better known as Eric, re-naming it St Andrews in memory of the first vineyard. business for more than 30 years and brings passion and was born, followed by William Hamill Thomson in 1911. As the In 1949, Frederick developed an acute surgical condition viticultural experience to his role as the Thomson family Thomson family expanded, so did the business. A neighbouring while on a sea voyage to the Far East and, like his parents 25 custodian of Best’s Great Western. property Fairview was purchased for sparkling grapes. years before him, passed away far from home in Hong Kong. By his early 20s, Frederick Pinchon was ready to take over His sons Frederick and William, both born and bred with One of Australia’s longest working winemakers, Viv Thomson OAM the business and William returned to Melbourne to pursue his viticulture, were well placed to take over the Best’s business, baking interests. In 1924, on a return sea voyage from their which continued to flourish throughout the 20th century.

1893 1900 1907 1908 1911

William Thomson and family settle in the Great William Thomson sells Best’s Great Western Frederick (Eric) Hamill William (Bill) Hamill Western district from Scotland and purchase the St Andrews Vineyard trademark is Thomson is born Thomson is born. Lorimer’s Vineyard and winery at Rhymney (13km to his son Frederick registered (number (pictured right). south of Henry Best). The family builds a house Pinchon and returns to 5067), making it and declare themselves vignerons of St Andrews. Melbourne to pursue one of Australia’s his career in baking. earliest wine company trademarks.

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BEST’S VINEYARDS

est’s Wines is long, slow-ripening period celebrated for its and continental climate are NURSERY BLOCK, 1866 THOMSON FAMILY BLOCK, 1868 rich vineyard characteristics of Great Western. resources in The area experiences cold to Victoria’s Great very cold winters and frequently Best’s Nursery Block within the Concongella Estate is These gnarled old vines in the oldest Shiraz vineyard at Western. There dry and cool summers, with undeniably one of the most significant vineyards in Australia. Best’s Concongella Estate sit on the creek bed of granite Bare two estates from which Best’s occasional bursts of hot weather. Established by Henry Best in 1866, it’s a 22-hectare sands, their roots heading down deep into the bedrock of sources its fruit: the grand matriarch Managing Director Ben Thomson vineyard believed to feature the most extensive pre- sandstone and schist. In great vintages, all of this fruit goes and headquarters, “Concongella” at believes a little vine stress phylloxera plantings in Australia, and possibly the world. into the Thomson Family Shiraz. If the fruit doesn’t make the Great Western; and “Salvation Hills”, concentrates grape flavour; Within the collection, there are more than 39 separate grade, we use it selectively in Bin No. 0. 13km away at Rhymney, Great at Concongella it happens varieties planted, eight of which remain unknown and Western. Each vineyard produces naturally. Despite these natural un-named to this day. International viticulturists visit often, distinctly different grape adversities, Concongella looking to research and take cuttings. It’s a living museum characteristics from vines aged from consistently produces high-quality and a vital part of our history – Best’s takes very seriously its less than five to 150 years old. grapes of intense flavour. role as the custodians of this important piece of earth. The original Concongella Vineyards around Henry The newest addition to Best’s Great Western’s vineyard Today, the vines are hand picked, beginning with the white Best’s homestead and winery contain the blocks used to portfolio is Salvation Hills at Rhymney, which was established varietals, then followed by the red. The Nursery Block fruit is produce the handcrafted Icon range. Established in 1866, in 1996. Salvation Hills spans across 17 hectares in this made into two wines, a dry white called Concongella Blanc “Concongella” estate takes its name from the picturesque subregion of Victoria’s Great Western. The vineyard is at a low and the Nursery Block Dry Red, these are only available at Concongella Creek that runs beside the vineyard. The land risk from frost and enjoys a cool, temperate Mediterranean Bests Cellar Door. Wine is not produced every year but when along the creek is flat with powdery loam overlaying a deep climate with duplex silty soils overlying fine-textured subsoil it is made, the resulting wine is incredible unique, a classic clay sub-soil, while newer plantings are on frost-free hills. A with or without siltstone at various depths. ‘field blend’ giving an amazing sense of place.

1913 1920 1924 1925 1927 1930

Henry Best dies age Upon Henry Best’s death, his son Charles sells William Thomson and Best’s Great Western Economic depression Thomson family 81, and is buried in the enterprise for £10,000 to local vigneron his wife both die on a Wines is incorporated, forces the sale of St purchases a small the Great Western William and son Frederick P Thomson. St Andrews, sea journey to their listing its assets as the Andrews Vineyard. vineyard holding at cemetery alongside Fairview and Concongella Vineyards are now in the native Scotland. three vineyards, some Swan Hill called Misery his brother Joseph. hands of the Thomson family. other properties, a stock Farm, renaming it St of wine and brandy Andrews in memory of valued at £41,540. their first vineyard.

Frederick Thomson (centre, Ben’s great-grandfather) labels a selection of Best’s wines by hand in 1925

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THE STORY OF JUSTIN PURSER BEST’S WINEMAKING BEST’S WINEMAKER

ustin Purser brings extensive international experience and perspective to Best’s Wines. After graduating from Adelaide University with a Bachelor of Science in Oenology, he worked at Primo Estate Wines in South Australia (also the home Jof Joseph Wines) for three years. From there, he moved overseas where he worked vintages at Peregrine Wines in Central Otago, New Zealand, and Azienda Agricola Brezza Giacomo e Figli in Barolo, an Italian producer of fine wines. Between 2008 and 2011, Justin supervised a team Shiraz grapes fermenting at Domaine de Montille, Volnay, in Burgundy, where he oversaw the production of Grand Cru and Premier Cru EST’S IS DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE on the vine as well as in wines. In November 2011, Justin relocated from France for the winery. Despite the respect for the traditional winemaking practices his role as Winemaker at Best’s. Bthat have been part of Best’s story for more than a century, there have Best’s patriarch, Viv Thomson, and his son Ben, been amazing transformations over the years – winemakers have joined the Managing Director and Vineyard Manager, have worked extended family, styles have come and gone, and technology has brought about with Best’s winemakers for the last 40 years to ensure efficiency in the winery. But Best’s goal has always been to grow amazing Great continuity of house style while encouraging the winemakers Western fruit and make classic wines in the Great Western style. to constantly seek out ways to innovate and improve. All aspects of making the winemaking are handled on site at Best’s Great Western, allowing the winemaker to have full control over quality. Best’s Great Western strives for its wines to express everything possible from the vineyard, vintage and region. Best’s Winemaker Justin Purser

1938 1949 1961 1964 1967 1974

Eric Vivian (Viv) Hamill Frederick Thomson Viv Thomson joins his Benjamin Hamill Viv Thomson The Stables Cellar Thomson is born – dies while holidaying family to work his Thomson is born, fifth undertakes his first Door at Great Western fourth generation of in Hong Kong and is very first vintage. generation of the solo vintage. is relocated, piece the Thomson family buried there. Thomson family. by piece to allow for greater production in the winery.

Viv Thomson (on horse and cart) among Viv Thomson, third from right the vines at the Concongella Vineyard

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NOTABLE BEST’S WINES

A SENTIMENTAL AN AUSTRALIAN ICON THE RARE JEWEL EVERYDAY HERO FAVOURITE

BEST’S BIN NO. 0 BEST’S OLD VINE BEST’S BIN NO. 1 BEST’S THOMSON GREAT WESTERN SHIRAZ GREAT WESTERN SHIRAZ FAMILY SHIRAZ

Shiraz has been produced at Millers Vineyard, first planted in Given the scarcity of Best’s Best’s Thomson Family Shiraz Best’s Great Western since 1867, was made up of about Thomson Family and Bin No. is produced from Henry Best’s the late 1800s, although the 85% Pinot Meunier and the 0 Shirazes, Bin No. 1 Shiraz is original 1866 Shiraz plantings, actual date of the first Bin remaining component was Pinot the wine that gives people their and is made only in exceptional No. 0 Shiraz is lost in the Noir. In the early 1970s, 11 rows first taste of the Great Western years – about six times a decade. archives. It was named Bin of 100% Pinot Meunier were Shiraz style. Made from Best’s It was first produced in 1993, No. 0 Claret or Hermitage until replanted next to the original vineyards and local growers, as a celebration of the 100-year the 1960s. Best’s Bin No. 0 vineyard and today the grapes it is crafted with the same anniversary of the Thomson Shiraz is produced from four are handpicked and sorted, attention to detail as the flagship family settling in the area. Grapes of Best’s oldest vineyards. aged in French oak and made wines. Bin No. 1 is a classic are picked predominantly from Bin No. 0 is produced as an with meticulous care. It is the cool-climate, aromatic Shiraz, the 15 rows of vines planted age-worthy style and has been earliest picked red wine at Best’s made in a style that is floral, by Henry Best, recorded as the undisputed icon of the with a lighter-bodied profile, spicy and peppery and yet “Hermitage” in his journal. Today Great Western Shiraz style for slightly woodier than its Old retains fruit characteristics and the clone is referred to by the decades. It is internationally Clone Pinot Noir sibling. The intensity. It is well balanced, CSIRO as the Concongella acclaimed as one of Australia’s Best’s Old Vine Pinot Meunier approachable and food friendly, clone. it is the mother clone of great Shiraz wines. In 2010, has a cult following and is made with no dominance of alcohol. all subsequent Shiraz plantings the Langton’s classification was only in the best vintages; in other The highlight of Bin No. 1’s short at Best’s Great Western. The upgraded from “Distinguished” years, the fruit goes into Best’s yet vibrant life was winning the Langton’s classification is to ”Excellent”. Concongella Collection Young 2012 Jimmy Watson Memorial “Outstanding”. Vine Pinot Meunier. Trophy for its 2011 vintage.

1975 1982 1988 1993 1996 2005

Viv Thomson appoints Viv Thomson becomes Simon Clayfield First vintage of the flagship Thomson Family A property close to the Adam Wadewitz Trevor Mast as President of Victorian appointed as Best’s Shiraz is released to commemorate 100 years original St Andrews appointed as Best’s the first external Wine Association and Winemaker. since the Thomson family settled in Rhymney, homestead at Rhymney Winemaker. Winemaker at Best’s continues his active Great Western, Victoria. is purchased and a new Great Western. role as a National Wine vineyard planted by Show Judge. Ben Thomson.

Viv Thompson 1972 Viv Thomson Adam Wadewitz

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Notable Best’s Wines cont.

THE DARK HORSE THE PRODIGAL SON GREAT WHITE HOPE BEST’S PRICE LIST

GREAT WESTERN SPARKLING SHIRAZ GREAT WESTERN BEST’S ICON RANGE RIESLING Thomson Family Shiraz...... $200 Sitting pretty next to Shiraz Best’s Concongella Collection Bin No. 0 Shiraz ...... $85 on Best’s red wine podium Sparkling Shiraz was re- Best’s Great Western Riesling Old Vine Pinot Meunier...... $85 is Great Western Cabernet introduced in 2009 after an is a best-kept secret. Great BEST’S CONCONGELLA COLLECTION Sauvignon. It’s fast garnering almost 40-year absence. The Western produces aromatic, White Gravels Hill Shiraz ...... $45 a reputation as the dark horse style is synonymous with Great flavoursome yet structured and Old Clone Pinot Noir ...... $45 among the range – with each Western and has been made in age-worthy Rieslings, which House Block Riesling...... $35 release its popularity and the region since the mid-1900s. stand confidently alongside Nursery Block Dry Red...... $35 credibility of intensifies. Best’s Releasing a sparkling version their South Australian cousins. Concongella Blanc...... $35 warmer and north-facing of Best’s famous Shiraz was a The region’s warm days and Foudre Ferment Riesling...... $35 vineyards produce the best natural progression and a great cold nights work well for the Sparkling Shiraz...... $35 fruit. This is a fine medium- opportunity to refine the style. variety. Some of Best’s original 13 Acre Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon .. $45 bodied expression of the variety, Great Western produces grapes nursery plantings can be traced Young Vine Pinot Meunier ...... $45 bright garnet in colour, with that are exceptionally well suited back to Germany, so there’s a lifted aromatics and a classically to the Sparkling Shiraz style. significant history and pedigree BEST’S GREAT WESTERN RANGE lean structure. With age, these The wine is left on lees for two in the rootstock of Great Bin No. 1 Shiraz...... $25 wines develop remarkable years longer than usual, creating Western Riesling. The style has Cabernet Sauvignon...... $25 finesse and elegance. Like all a wine with greater complexity evolved to match the continental Riesling...... $25 Best’s Great Western wines, and a finer fizz. Its dosage climatic conditions, resulting in Chardonnay...... $25 the Cabernet Sauvignon is comprises a touch of aged a balanced wine with intensity, Dolcetto...... $25 approachable on release liqueur muscat from Best’s finesse, texture and lifted Pinot Noir...... $25 and drinks beautifully when old casks to impart an added aromatics. While made to drink Rosé...... $25 accompanied with food. layer of interest. now, it will age for years to come.

2005 2008 2008 2009 2010 2010

Langton’s classifies Best’s appoints Viv Thomson hands Winemaker Adam Best’s Bin No. 0 Viv Thomson’s 50th Best’s Thomson Jonathan Mogg as over the reins of the Wadewitz wins Dux of is upgraded from consecutive vintage at Family Shiraz as General Manager, company to eldest Len Evans Tutorial. “Distinguished” Best’s Great Western. “Outstanding” and Sales & Marketing. son Ben and enters to “Excellent” in Best’s Great Western semi-retirement. Langton’s esteemed Bin No. 0 Shiraz as Classification of “Distinguished”. .

Ben and Viv Thompson Former Best’s Winemaker Adam Wadewitz

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Built in 1866, the old cellars are the heart of Best’s Wines’ operation. Visitors can take a walk through this historical cellar.

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BEST’S CELLAR DOOR ­ GRAMPIANS AND GREAT WESTERN THE STABLES GREAT WESTERN REGIONAL FACTS

uilt in 1866, the Concongella Cellar Door is the heart of Best’s Wines’ To Horsham operation. Also known as The Stables,

W ES Wim TER mer a R it’s a memorable place to visit. The old i N v HI er G HW AY red gum slab tasting room is housed Deep Lead Lake in the original stables built in 1869 and Lonsdale STAWELL Halls Mokepilly Gap showcases old winery equipment, maps of the area, as well Great Western

IGHWA Y GRAMPIANS H B S E as Henry Best’s original journal dating from 1866. Visitors E Elmhurst NATIONAL N R E P Y PARK G ARARAT can take a tour of the 1860s cellars, which were hand dug N A

R

by miners, and the original Nursery Block plantings, both of A GRAMPIANS R R E WINE REGION S which represent a significant piece of Australian wine history. BEAUFORT

Wines for tasting and sale include Best’s current range of Willaura The picturesque Great Western countryside

wines as well as limited-release wines available through cellar Dunkeld LENELG G HIGH W A door only. Rare and old vintages are often on display and, at Y Great Western is part of the Grampians wine Best’s 1866 vineyards include grape varieties r e iv R

s n Lake i times, releases of back vintages are available for purchase. k Bolac region of Central Victoria, Australia, and is a so rare that several have defied all attempts at p To Melbourne o Best’s Back Vintage Tasting Experience is a fine way to H registered subregion (GIC). identification and, in all probability, represent experience the winery’s vast portfolio of old wines. Enjoy the sole surviving examples in the world. a fine selection of back-vintage and limited-release wines Situated on the Western Highway, 218km west

that date back to the 1900s. While visitors sample the best Great Western is located 2½ hours’ drive from Melbourne, of Melbourne, Great Western lies between the The growing season in summer is characterised drops from the underground cellars, they can discover more between Stawell and Ararat on the Western Highway townships of Stawell and Ararat. by warm to hot days, but with nights that are cool about Best’s history and winemaking process through Best’s to cold. Autumn is mild and reliably produces the knowledgeable tasting team. A complimentary cheese plate (closed Christmas Day). Winery tours and the Back Vintage The Grampians National Park, two hours’ drive most pleasant weather, perfect for ripening grapes and personal tour of Best’s 150-year-old cellars complete the Tasting Experience can be organised in advance and west of Melbourne, is a magnificent natural wonder in benign conditions. experience. bus tours can be accommodated by prior arrangement. dotted with hidden jewels for the wine buff. The cellar door is open Monday to Saturday and public For further information, phone 03 5356 2250, or email The region is especially well suited to later-ripening holidays from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 11am to 4pm [email protected]. The first grapes were planted at Great Western red varieties, particularly Shiraz. during the 1850s as the gold mining boom receded and people looked for a more permanent means of livelihood.

2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2016

Best’s Great Western Winemaker Adam Winemaker Adam Justin Purser is Best’s Bin No. 1 Shiraz Best’s Wines marks its 2008 Bin No. 0 Shiraz Wadewitz and Viv Wadewitz leaves appointed Winemaker wins the Jimmy 150th Anniversary with awarded Liquor Thomson jointly Best’s to pursue at Best’s Great Watson Memorial celebrations involving Merchants Association nominated for other opportunities. Western. Trophy at the 2012 consumers, trade and the media. of Australian Perennial Gourmet Traveller Melbourne Wine Show. Trophy for Best Varietal Wine Winemaker of Wine, Shiraz, at Royal the Year award. Sydney Wine Show. Visitors can tour Best’s original cellar door The Thomson family and Justin Purser (far right) with the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2012

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CONTACT DETAILS

ADDRESS 111 Best’s Road, Great Western, Victoria, 3374, Australia

WEBSITE www.bestswines.com.au

CONTACT DETAILS Graeme Hogan National Sales Manager Phone: 0477 333 459 Email: [email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @BestsWines Facebook: www.facebook.com/BestsWines Instagram: @bestswines

Best’s Wines Pty Ltd, 111 Bests Road, Great Western, Victoria, 3374, Australia Ph: (03) 5356 2250 • Fax: (03) 5356 2430 • [email protected] www.bestswines.com

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