Best's Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
There’s a freshness to these 2008 Best’s Great Western reds that I’m not sure I’ve seen before in young Best’s wines. It’s not a radical departure but the winemaking seems more ‘modern’. In a good way.
In any case I’d say this is the best Best’s cabernet that I’ve tasted. Maybe I’m wrong - but it’s definitely a good wine. Pretty good value too, just quietly. It tastes of blackcurrant and plums, dust and eucalypt. It’s satiny smooth. Tidy but refreshing acidity. Fine, ripe tannin. Vivid, dark purple hues. And a satisfying finish. It should perform well in the cellar too. Drink 2011-2017 92 points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
The youthfulness of this Victorian Cabernet comes through immediately and quite forthrightly. Bold and brash on one level, with the hallmarks and making of elegancy on the other. A red with attitude, vigour and vibrancy, with a good sense of purpose and direction – I like it, lots. It rewards with classic varietal Cabernet fruit, black fruits, liquorice, coolness and then a ripened spiciness. Its mouth feel and texture is smooth, highly drinkable and is overall reasonably balanced, maintains good oak presence and has fine lingering tannins, auguring well for the long haul. Classy label to match. Try this with spiced lamb shanks. Drink to 2018 plus. About $25. Rating: 91/100 – Excellent. 7th October 2009 – Paul Ippolito
If Great Western were somehow prohibited from growing Shiraz, it would probably be just as famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense spicy, berry, leafy aromas and long, dense, yet supple flavours and classic structure are hallmarks of Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon. With age, they develop remarkable finesse and elegance. Cabernet Sauvignon from Great Western works well from the right sites, warmer and north facing sites tend to produce the best fruit. As is common in other regions, Cabernet Sauvignon in Great Western is picked late in the vintage season to allow for good fruit flavour and texture.
