Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz

Grampians, Australia

One of Australia's most historically significant wines — Shiraz from ungrafted vines planted by Joseph Best in 1868 on volcanic basalt at Great Western. Extraordinary white pepper, dark plum, iron, and the distinctive cool-climate Grampians mineral freshness. Requires 15-20 years of aging to reveal its full complexity.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Australia's most historic Shiraz and its most celebrated pastoral protein — the wine's white pepper and iron character mirrors the roasted lamb's mineral depth; rosemary bridges the wine's herb complexity
• cheese: Old-vine Shiraz's complexity and longevity demands an equally complex cheese; the wine's white pepper and iron find resonance in the aged cheddar's crystal and depth