Lying just halfway between Avoca and Ballarat, the boutique Amherst Winery has only ten acres under vine. The small yields translate into extraordinary, full bodied and concentrated wines, with fine aromatics and silky tannins. Local folklore has it that a shepherd discovered gold at Daisy Hill in 1848, the region flourished and suitable parcels were planted to vines in the 1850s.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN Daisy Hill emerged in the 1850s due to its location on the main route to and from goldfields. The Amherst vineyard sits atop old alluvial tailings of the gold rush, diggings can still be seen around the property in quartz rich soil. The highly sought wines pay tribute to the heritage surrounding the vineyard. Amherst distinguishes it's exceptional reds, naming them after regional folklore such as an escaped convict who was the first to cultivate local land, and the ancient Chinese market gardens, which provided food to the flourishing gold fields of yesteryear. Daisy Creek is vinified from parcels of Cabernet and Shiraz grown to good vineyards in the Pyrenees, fashioned to be a solid wine with weight of fruit and firm tannins.

Deep dark red colour. Enticing and complex aromas of violets and morello cherries with a touch of earthyness, loam and pitch. An entry onto the palate of blackberries and plum, spiced chocolates and prune over a fine structure of pencil/ vanilla oak and supportive tannins.

Named after the first cultivator of the site, Samuel Dunn, who lived in Amherst from the early 1850s, one of the first local settlers to plant grapes. Originally the land was exploited for sheep grazing, until diggers found the locality alive with gold. Today the property yields a tremendous Shiraz wine.

$2599each $309DOZEN EACH DOZEN Amherst is a town rich in history, site of the first official gold find 1851, which launched a gold rush stretching all over central Victoria. The district's history with viticulture is also long and rich. In 1896 Signor Bragaro, the viticultural expert at the Department of Agriculture, was invited by the local council to give instruction to vineyard operators, among them Samuel Dunn. Since the first commercial release in 1995, Amherst has gained a reputation for fine hand crafted wines. Amherst is family owned and operated, the vineyard is located in the heart of the historic Victorian goldfields. A very good site for Shiraz, the grapes here ripen well, the baumes at harvest are always good, the vines deliver batches of the choicest fruit.

Deep garnet in colour. Rich, ripe fruit flavours are complemented by a savoury mid palate and a distinctive spicy clove character that compliments many different types of food. As with all of the Amherst wines the amount of oak and alcohol is kept in check to ensure that the wine is perfectly balanced.

A dry grown, single vineyard, hand crafted Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon. George Berry started his vineyard and orchard in 1862 on the banks of Carapooee Creek. Whilst some rootstock 110 to 140 years old can still be found, today's Berry Bridge are the fruit of plantings by Jane Holt and Roger Milner. Milner developed his passion for viticulture after several vintages at Chateau Reynella in the 1970s. He joined forces with Holt BAppSc(WineSc) & AssocDegAppSc(Wine-growing), and happily took on the challenge of re-developing the site.

$3299each $393DOZEN EACH DOZEN Berrys Bridge has a very limited production of three super premium editions annually. The 6½ hectare vineyard and winery at the northern foothills of the Victorian Pyrenees, was first planted to vines in 1990% Rich red clay soils, warm summer days and cool nights provide lush ripe berries with intense colour, concentrated flavour and complex tannin structure. The area enjoys good winter/spring rainfalls and relatively dry summers. Good canopy management generally minimises disease. The hand picked fruit is treated to a small batch open fermentation, hand plunged and baskert basket pressed. Matured in fine grained oak barriques under temperature controlled conditions until bottling without filtration.

Deep crimson colour. The nose displays aromas of violets, cedar and luscious sweet cassis fruits. The full bodied palate is crammed with fruit, cedar, hints of olive and gorgeous fine, silky tannins that hold the finish for a considerable time. Despite its weight, this wine is surprisingly soft and supple at the finish with moderate acidity that balances the abundant tannin and fruit.

The partnership of Roger Milner and Jane Holt emerged out of a juncture in mineral exploration, eventually leading to vintages at Passing Clouds and Chateau Reynella. They selected a site just outside of the main nexus of Pyrenees estates to plant vines. Ironically settling on the very terrain operated a century earlier by a pioneer named Berry who had also planted Shiraz.

$3999each $477DOZEN EACH DOZEN Located in the undulating foothills of the northern slopes of the Pyrenees Ranges, set to an altitude of 200 metres on red duplex soils/ red brown clays. The vineyard is operated with the emphasis on sustainable viticulture. Good canopy management generally minimises disease impact in this mild climate, and the ecologically friendly option is always exercised when selecting vineyard inputs. Many species of insect-eating birds love the habitat contributing to a healthy and diverse environment. The dry grown Shiraz grapes are hand picked and treated to small batch fermentation, hand plunged, basket pressed and matured in a combination of fine oaks before bottling without filtration. Approx 15.0%

Deep crimson with purple hues. The nose exhibits pure-fruited aromas of freshly crushed blackberries, hints of spice and fruitcake and a backdrop of roasted meats. The full-bodied palate is rich and full with lively red berries also showing through with a touch of earth and assertive, grippy tannins. Dense and chewy yet quite refined, Berrys Bridge has developed after a spell of bottle ageing.

Excellent Langtons Classification. One of the nation's most enduring wines, vinified from hand picked and sorted grapes grown to the four original Shiraz plantings on the historic, low yielding Great Western blocks.

$6499each $777DOZEN EACH DOZEN No grape is used unless it is in peak condition, no parcel of wine is considered unless it lives up to the most exacting standard. Only select vines that have made the grade are considered. In a declassified year some Thomson Reserve fruit (from some of the oldest Shiraz plantings in Victoria) can be included. Unique factors of soil and climate make a contribution. Cold to very cold winters, frequently dry and cool summers, with occasional bursts of hot weather are the norm. Fruit is hand selected, sorted and vinified by small batches in open fermenters, followed by rigorous barrel selection. Matured in a selection of new and used French and American oak barriques and puncheons for twelve months. Alcohol 14.6%

Dense purple extending right to the edge of the glass. Nice pepper and spice, great blue fruits, very lifted and attractive. Subtle spice and anise, a textural palate displaying layers of complexity. Clean, fresh and lively, blueberry awash with spice and integrated oak notes. Fine tannin and acid support.

Excellent Langtons Classification. Bin 0 Shiraz is produced from the four original Shiraz plantings on the low yielding blocks of the historic Concongella Vineyard at Great Western. This includes nineteenth century and mid twentieth century plantings of Shiraz which yield meagre harvests of the most amazing quality grapes.

$5999each $717DOZEN EACH DOZEN The Concongella property takes its name from a picturesque creek which runs beside the vineyard. Climatically cold to very cold winters and frequently dry and cool summers, with occasional bursts of hot weather, are the norm. A little stress concentrates grape flavour, at Concongella it happens naturally. Despite these natural adversities, Concongella consistently produces high quality grapes of intense flavour. The vineyard now contains rows of old and new plantings. Fruit is hand selected, sorted and vinified by small batches in open fermenters, followed by rigorous barrel selection. Matured in a selection of new and used French and American oak barriques and puncheons for twelve months. Alcohol 14.5%

Deep, dark, rich purple/ black. Dense blue fruits, spice and background floral aromas. Palate shows deep, concentrated blue fruits, great mid palate weight and long lingering impression. Texture and structure with fine oak and tannins playing a supporting role. Perfectly balanced, it finishes with supple, silky tannins.

Excellent Langtons Classification. Shiraz has been produced at Best's Great Western since the late 1800s, although an actual date of the inaugural Bin 0 has been lost in the annals of time. Top of the league from start to finish, what is certain is that Bin 0 is generally produced from Best's oldest plantings, selected from the lowest yielding blocks of the historic Concongella vineyard at Great Western. This includes nineteenth century and mid twentieth century plantings of Shiraz which yield meagre harvests of the most amazing quality grapes.

$5999each $717DOZEN EACH DOZEN No grape is used unless it is in peak condition, no parcel of wine is considered unless it lives up to the most exacting standard. Only select vines that have made the grade are considered. In a declassified year some Thomson Reserve fruit (from some of the oldest Shiraz plantings in Victoria) can be included. Unique factors of soil and climate make a contribution. Cold to very cold winters, frequently dry and cool summers, with occasional bursts of hot weather are the norm. Fruit is hand selected, sorted and vinified by small batches in open fermenters, followed by rigorous barrel selection. Matured in a selection of new and used French and American oak barriques and puncheons for twelve months. Alcohol 14.5%

Deeply tinted ruby garnet with magenta hue. Rich opulent aromas of dark ripe fruits lifted by peppery bush spice, wildflowers and delicately toasted French oak. Intense velvety dark fruit palate restrained by fine crumbly tannins. The balance of perfumed fruit, tight grained oak and minerality lingers in the mouth. An opulent rendition of Bin 0 which drinks brilliantly on release as it continues to evolve extraordinary complexity and integration. Great with venison, game or lamb. One of the most enduring characteristics is the longevity, Bin 0 is made to be an age worthy style and has been the undisputed icon of the Great Western style for many decades. It is internationally acclaimed as one of Australia's great wines.

Given the scarcity of Best's prestige, limited release, old vineyard icons, Bin 1 gives people their first taste of the Great Western Shiraz style and leaves them eager to discover more. A classic, cool climate, aromatic wine, floral and spicy, peppery and elegant, retaining vital Great Western fruit character.

$2199each $261DOZEN EACH DOZEN Unique factors of soil and climate in the Great Western area contribute to Best's success. The land along the Concongella Creek is flat with powdery loam overlaying a deep clay sub-soil while newer plantings are sited on frost free hills. A long, slow ripening period and continental climate are characteristics of Great Western. The vineyards are in superb condition, producing fruit of remarkable quality and concentration. Meticulously crafted with the same attention to detail as th great regional flagship, Bin 1 represents the essence of Best's and the uniqueness of Great Western. The finished wine exhibits al the attractions of structured Victorian Shiraz, perfumed, subtley oaked and gently spiced. Alcohol 14.0%

Rich, inky red with purple hues. Vibrant lifted aromatics displaying fresh red berries and purple fruit, with classic cool climate pepper and spice over delicate floral characters. A rich and juicy wine with layers of generous flavour and complexity. Luscious, up front characters of freshly picked red cherry and raspberry melds into more developed plum, blackberry, pepper and spice. The palate is long and mouthfilling with great mid palate generosity, rolling tannins and wonderfully integrated oak. A ready to drink Shiraz in the established Great Westen style, elegant and approachable. Bin 1 is a great accompaniment to food, the celebration of a century's history at Best's Great Western.

A real insider's wine, Best's make the most flavoursome, elegantly structured and spectacular Rieslings which stand confidently alongside their more famous cousins. The Great Western region lends itself very well to growing exceptional quality fruit, diurnal weather patterns work well for the varietal, allowing grapes to ripen naturally, yielding luscious lemon and lime blossom flavours with great acid balance. Some of the original plantings can be traced back to German vineyards, there is great history and pedigree in the root stock of Great Western Riesling.

$2199each $261DOZEN EACH DOZEN Riesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best's Nursery Block vineyard in the 1860s. Then from subsequent plantings in 1944 and 1978, Riesling has become a significant part of the estate's regime. Grapes are harvested off vines planted to the sandy loam soils of Concongella Creek and Rhymney Vineyard, occasionally parcels are included from distinguished local sites. Fruit is minimally handled to express the power and finesse of parched, high country Great Western Riesling. The must is coolly tank fermented to allow the pristine fruit speak for itself, followed by a prompt bottling very soon after vinification, preserving the vital regional characters.

Pristine appearance, bright green hues. Fresh flowers along with lime and citrus notes. A flavoursome front palate displaying great varietal intensity, floral and zesty with great aromatics. Minerality, balance and texture are working together harmoniously to produce a wine with great tension. It's steely lime citrus qualities are supported by gentle acids and powdery talc notes. Drinking magnificently on release with the added ability to evolve further complexity and aged Riesling characters.

Sparkling Shiraz has been re-introduced to the Best's line up after almost forty years. Great Western is renowned for Sparkling Shiraz (previously labelled as Burgundy) and has produced these terrific wines since the early 1900s. Today's market is rediscovering the virtues of effervescent Shiraz wines which can demonstrate the virtues of universal drinking appeal, good structure and fine texture. Australia can lay claim to this style as its own, completely unique, it has become Great Western's most profound contribution to the world of wine.

$2499each $297DOZEN EACH DOZEN Sparkling Shiraz is synonymous with Great Western, and contemporary tastes have presented a great opportunity for Great Western to refine the style. The winemaking team discovered that certain blocks yielded fruit which would lend themselves exceptionally well to sparkling Shiraz, forming a wine that spoke of place and was characteristic of Great Western. Grapes are picked early, inoculated and vinified in traditional fermenting vats, without receiving any oak treatment whatsoeverl, achieving a wine with medium body which retains freshness and intensity even as it ages. The goal is to ensure that the finished wine defines Great Western, retains good balance, elegance and refinement. Alcohol 14.5%

Brick red to dark red with crimson hues. Great cool climate perfume, spicy fruit and lifted floral aromas. Red fruits and spice on the palate, a well integrated medium bodied Shiraz, balance and texture are the endearing qualities of this essential Aussie style. Ready to drink now, with consomme or rich meats, desserts and cheese.

Outstanding Langton's Classification. Thomson Family Shiraz is produced from Henry Best's original 1866 plantings, only ever made in exceptional years, on average about six times a decade. The vines are cropped at less than two tonnes per acre and are meticulously hand harvested, selected and sorted. Thomson Family Shiraz was first made in 1993, one hundred years after the Thomson family settled in the area. It is produced predominantly from the fifteen rows of vines planted by Henry Best, recorded as Hermitage by Henry in his daily journal.

$14999each $1797DOZEN EACH DOZEN This very special planting of Shiraz is referred to by the CSIRO as Concongella clone, the mother of all subsequent Shiraz stock at Best's Great Western. The property takes its name from a picturesque creek which runs beside the vineyard. Climatically cold to very cold winters and frequently dry and cool summers, with occasional bursts of hot weather, are the norm. A little stress concentrates grape flavour, at Concongella it happens naturally. Despite these natural adversities, Concongella consistently produces high quality grapes of intense flavour. Hand harvested, hand plunged and vinified in small open fermenters, produced only in years when the quality is second to none. Alcohol 14.0%

Deep, dark purple. Ripe and generous fruit on the nose, aromas of deep dark berries, lifted spice, coiled and complex. Very intense rich front to mid palate, lush and plush, plenty of generous texture, supporting acid and tannins arrive late, long and detailed finish. Long, powerful, unsurpassably fine, elegant.

Outstanding Langton's Classification. Thomson Family Shiraz is produced from Henry Best's original 1866 plantings, only ever made in exceptional years, on average about six times a decade. The vines are cropped at less than two tonnes per acre and are meticulously hand harvested, selected and sorted. Thomson Family Shiraz was first made in 1993, one hundred years after the Thomson family settled in the area. It is produced predominantly from the fifteen rows of vines planted by Henry Best, recorded as Hermitage by Henry in his daily journal.

$13999each $1677DOZEN EACH DOZEN This very special planting of Shiraz is referred to by the CSIRO as the Concongella clone, the mother of all subsequent Shiraz stock at Best's Great Western. The property, established 1866, takes its name from the picturesque creek which runs beside the vineyard. Climatically cold to very cold winters and frequently dry and cool summers, with occasional bursts of hot weather, are the norm. A little stress concentrates grape flavour, at Concongella it happens naturally. Despite these natural adversities, Concongella consistently produces high quality grapes of intense flavour. Hand harvested, hand plunged and vinified in small open fermenters, produced only in years when the quality is second to none. Alcohol 14.0%

Inky garnet with vermillion hue. Slightly closed then gradually opening to reveal a heady mixture of black fruits, bitter chocolate, dried flowers, white pepper and innumerable secondary aromas including leather, liquorice and tobacco. Ultra rich tightly structured liquored fruits. The seductive fruit, tannin, acid mix persists longingly in the mouth. It would be the perfect accompaniment to a winter meal of seared venison by a log fire.