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Listed below are what I believe are the greatest wines in Australia.
I have not tried to designate particular years rather the best in each variety over time.
Chardonnay
1. Giacconda from Beechworth in Victoria – Clearly the best Chardonnay
2. Leeuwin Estate Art Series from Margaret River – WA
The rest of the wines listed below I cannot rank in order but they are all great wines:
- Cullen from Margaret River WA
- Bindi Quartz from Lower Macedon Vic
- Sauaterre from Beechworth Vic
- Yattarna – Penfolds from Barossa Valley SA
- Petaluma Tiers from Clare SA
- Pierro from Margaret River WA
Cabernet Sauvignon
1. Rockford Basket Press from Barossa Valley SA
2. Cullen from Margaret River WA
3. Tally from Balnaves from Coonawarra SA
4. Majella from Coonawarra SA
5. Penfolds 707 from Barossa Valley SA
6. Parker Estate First Grade Terra Rossa – Coonawarra SA
7. Moss Wood – Margaret River WA
8. Punters Corner – Coonawarra SA
Shiraz
1. Grange Hermitage Adelaide Hills SA – clearly Australia’s greatest wine.
Must be kept at least 10 years before drinking. It is stand alone.
2. Henscke Hill of Grace from SA
3. Jasper Hill from Heathcote Victoria
4. Grant Burge – Meschack – SA
5. Wild Duck Creek Estate – Duck Muck – Heathcote Vic
6. Heathcote Estate – Heathcote Victoria – Probably the best value for money.
Blends
1. Diana Madeline – Margaret River – a Cabernet/Merlot blend
2. Majella The Malleea – a Cabernet/Shiraz Blend from Coonawarra
3. Yulumba Signature – a Cabernet/Shiraz from Angaston SA
4. Penfolds 389 from SA – a great value for money buy.
I will add to this list shortly
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John,
Love this web site – good on your for getting it together.
Just some corrections on the list of wines:
Its Savaterre and not Sauaterre – they do make great wines tho.
Plus the Rockford Basket Press is a Shiraz not a Cab – tho their Cab in good years is a great drink and much cheaper than the Shiraz.
If you like Beechworth Chardy try Wood Parks Meadow Creek, Rick (Giaconda) made the early vintages of this and in a good year it is a great drink.
Make sure you get some of the 2007 Duck Muck – a standout.
Would like to heard your views on sparkling shiraz – you have tried Majella’s what abour Rockfords Black and many others.
regards
John
Best Chardonnay? Bah! Who cares!
Jack,
Yes it is interesting, I love Grange and Hill of Grace so I won’t argue there. But as a daily drop I find the Petaluma or Penfolds Bins hard to better for consistency. A single great vintage is hard to judge, so I’ll leave that to others.
I’m not a true Chardonnay drinker, I was but the modern trend is too sweet for me. Thus I favouring my Australian whites with bubbles and preferrably very dry. In that respect I think Croser is my preference, but I’ve had the odd Blue Pyrenees vintage that was hard to beat. They may not be Veuve or Roederer, but you won’t spoil a good occassion by serving them either.
I have to agree with Billy regarding some of the Pyrenees reds. I think there are some gems there, Mount Langi or Dalwhinnie for example produce some first class examples.
What about Wirra Wirra, some of their varietals cellar extraordinarily well?
My biggest problem with Aussie wine, I won’t have time to try them all!
I’d love to hear your views on Australian fortifieds.
Dutchy.
Hi John
Thanks for the list. Very interesting reading. I know it is only your opinion, but there are some glaring omissions. Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay and Pinot Noir [Tucks Ridge Buckle and Paringa Estate, for instance], Tasmania’s Sparkling Wines [Arras and Jansz], Pyrenees Cab Sauv [Polleters for $25 - better than the Cullen and half the price!]
Also, here are the RRP’s of your Shiraz selections –
1. Grange Hermitage Adelaide Hills SA – $550
2. Henscke Hill of Grace from SA – $600
3. Jasper Hill from Heathcote Victoria – $85
4. Grant Burge – Meschack – SA – $120 (oh yeah – it is impossible to buy)
5. Wild Duck Creek Estate – Duck Muck – Heathcote Vic – $300 min – but not for sale
6. Heathcote Estate – Heathcote Victoria – $60 (brilliant wine, inspired choice!)
For those who are not silvertails, here is a list of post sub-prime-friendly Shiraz:
Yabby Lake Red Claw – Mornington Peninsula
Mia Creek – Heathcote
Tahbilk Eric Stevens Purbrick – Nagambie
Vinea Marson Syrah – Heathcote
Overall, I think there was a bit of blue-blood name-dropping about your list, but I am looking forward to seeing what wines you add I would be particularly interested in your thoughts on Sparkling and Pinot Noir.
Love the website and Tom on AW.
Billy
Either you have an extremely challenged pallate or you live a reserved and sheltered life ,i sugest you branch out and try some of the worlds best pinot and sparkling wines ,checkout Tasmania’s fine wines .