Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz Grampians GI

Grampians GI, Australia

Australia's most historically resonant Shiraz — from Best's 1866-era plantings on the Grampians' granitic soils. The old vines produce concentrated but graceful Shiraz: blackberry, black olive, violets, cool-climate pepper, and a mineral-graphite spine. Aged 18 months in old French barriques. At once powerful and elegant — a direct connection to Victoria's gold rush wine culture. Drinks well from 8 to 30 years.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Old-vine Grampians Shiraz and wood-fired lamb is the quintessential Victorian wine country pairing; native honey's delicate sweetness bridges the wine's dark fruit while the wood smoke echoes the vine's age.
• main: The wine's cool-climate spice and dark fruit depth aligns with duck's richness; Davidson plum's tart intensity echoes the wine's own high-toned fruit character.