The 13 Acre Block – Concongella Vineyard
Some blocks have a story that goes beyond the wine in the glass. The 13 Acre Block at Best’s Concongella vineyard in Great Western is one of them. Home to three of the great Bordeaux varieties, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a block with history, character and more than a few surprises along the way.
When Merlot vines were planted here between 1982 and 1984, nobody anticipated what would unfold. As the vines matured, it became clear that half of them were behaving quite differently. Best’s had unknowingly become the proud owners of Cabernet Franc. Rather than a problem, it proved to be a gift. Cabernet Franc is more aromatic than its famous cousin Cabernet Sauvignon, with softer, brighter fruit flavours, and it has since earned its rightful place in the Great Western wine portfolio.
The 13 Acre Block is a small but mighty contributor to several of our wines. What makes it particularly special is the vines themselves. Varieties with a documented clone history give real insight into what each vine can deliver. The Merlot is clone D3 V14, known for its juiciness, and at over 40 years old, these are considerably old vines for any Bordeaux planting in Australia. That age brings a depth and character you simply can’t rush.
The block has also known hardship. In November 2006, a severe frost dropped temperatures to -7°C, dealing a significant blow to the vines. It took years of patient, careful nurturing for them to recover and regain their balance, and the wines were absent from the Best’s range for a decade. When they were reintroduced in 2016, it was a moment worth celebrating. Esteemed wine judge and winemaker Ian McKenzie, on tasting the 2017 Cabernet Franc, was so taken with it that he described it as potentially “Australia’s answer to the right bank of Bordeaux.”
Although the three varieties grow side by side, each is treated as its own distinct wine. They are picked selectively at the perfect moment, then fermented and matured completely separately. In good years, only a couple of tonnes come from each variety, with each pick going into small open top vessels and aged in smaller French oak, preserving the juicy, fresh and vibrant character these varieties are known for here. As winemaker Jacob Parton puts it, the style is all about “delicacy, deliciousness and ageability” rather than weight or structure.
Each year, the fruit from the 13 Acre Block takes a different path. Sometimes the three varieties come together into the 13 Acre Blend. Other times, a portion finds its way into the Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon. Occasionally, when one variety stands clearly apart, it is bottled on its own. It is a decision made fresh every vintage, which is part of what makes this block so compelling to work with.
2024 Merlot Release
The 2024 Merlot is one of those rare occasions. Comprising of only 1400 vines and produced only in exceptional years. The last bottling was back in 2006. When the 2024 fruit came in, it was so bright and distinctive that the decision was made to let it stand alone rather than blend it as usual. Juicy, concentrated and complex, it is a wine that is irresistible now and equally rewarding with age.
Released in June 2026, it been a long time coming, and one that speaks to everything the 13 Acre Block is capable of when the vintage truly delivers.
