Best’s Great Western Old Vine Pinot Meunier 2022

Old vines don’t describe the half of it. Best’s vines were planted in 1868 which makes them among the oldest pinot meunier vines in the world. It is a point to ponder as you explore the myriad aromas and flavours of this wine, a free-wheeling, sustained ride of pure vinous pleasure. Bright purple-garnet hues. Combines youthful freshness and vitality with real depth of concentrated flavour. Old vines off a single vineyard site seen to be able to achieve that kind of effortless feat so easily. Cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, dried herbs and a ribbon of pepper and earthy spice mingle, bright and easy flowing, with superfine tannins and gentle oak. The palate comes alive with complexity of fruit, yet it’s so, so young. This is the great secret to this wine, year in year out. It arrives fully formed and ready to be enjoyed upon release and yet, rest assured, it will age an absolute treat. It is a national treasure.