1996 Best's Great Western 1860's Vines Pinot Meunier

One of the rarest wines on earth, being produced from the original 1868 vines planted by Henry Best at Great Western. In total 3444 bottles were produced (that's 287 dozen) and that's a rarity in itself, however, the fact that Best's produced a dry red from Pinot Meunier is also a rarity, as there are only a few known producers that follow this path, most choose to use the varietal as a Champagne base. Pinot Meunier is a major variety of Champagne and is also grown in Germany where it is known as Schwarzreisling or black Riesling. In Australia it has often been referred to as Millers Burgundy.The most distinctive feature of Pinot Meunier is the copious white hairiness on the shoot tips which gives the vine the appearance of having been dusted in flour. The varietal is of moderate vigor taking some years to develop vines of a reasonable size.Medium bodied brick red in colour, deeper than one usually observes with Pinot Noir. The nose is relatively restrained, but yields delightful aromas of mixed berries, strawberry and raspberry jam with hints of confectionary. The palate reflects the strawberry qualities of the nose, subtle, yet satisfying. Good length, creamy full bodied texture and flavour. Super fine, velvet smooth tannins, followed by long strawberry spice aftertaste and a warm finish. Cellar 5-8 years.