About Australian Wine

About Australian Wine
Wine is a bit of a quandry when one speaks of Australia. Here is a country that ranks sixth in the world as far as total production, yet it so too often associated these days with inexpensive, mass-produced wines.

This is understandable, given that a few huge corporations produce a great majority of the country's wine, with much of its destined for supermarkets in the USA and England. But this reputation is a true shame, as there are so many excellent wine regions that are home to some magnificent producers.

Shiraz is the country's signature wine; not only is it Australia's most widely planted variety, it is also the wine with the greatest reputation. Especially in the Barossa and Clare Valleys, there are explosive versions of this wine that can age for many years. Other notable reds from Australia are the Rhone blends with varying percentages of Grenache and Mourvedre added to Shiraz.

Certain areas such as Western Australia are ideal for cool climate varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Probably the best white wines are Semillon from Hunter Valley and especially Riesling from the Clare and Eden Valleys. These Rieslings, thought quite different from those produced in Germany, are equally brilliant and are most assuredly world-class

Top Picks for Australia

Berton Vineyards 2022 Metal Label Flavored Moscato Frizzanté Riverina
95 points
$13
Best Buy
A fascinating and delectable Moscato Frizzante with just a hint of extra floral lift and spiced complexity.
95 points $13 Best Buy
Wakefield 2022 Promised Land Chardonnay
95 points
$13
Best Buy
A New World under study well-suited to fill in for Village level white Bourgogne.
Awards: '2022 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 White Wine $15 and Under' Best Value Australian Chardonnay 2022 Best Chardonnay
95 points $13 Best Buy
Coltbridge Vineyards 2020  Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$9
Best Buy
Both over ripe and under ripe expressions of the fruit exist in tandem with very well balanced oak illustrating the deft execution by the wine maker; New World flavors combine with Old World complexity.
94 points $9 Best Buy
Paxton 2021  Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$19
Best Buy
This is a pretty seriously delicious Cabernet for someone that likes the ripe fruits characteristics of Cabernet balanced with savory green herbs.
94 points $19 Best Buy
St. Andrews 2019  Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$53
Powerful and brooding fruits balance with oak and structure; this is a wine that will drink better and better with time.
St. Andrews 2019  Shiraz
94 points
$53
A spicy, meaty Bench Mark Australian Shiraz with lots of crushed fruit; would be an excellent accompaniment for salumi or gamey meats.
Awards: 2022 Best Shiraz
Zonte’s Footstep 2022 Scarlet Ladybird Rosé Fleurieu Peninsula
94 points
$20
Best Buy
A dry yet fruit-forward Rosé with well balanced acidity, this would hold up to the classic French Rosé styles.
Awards: 2022 World Wine Championships - Best Value Australian Rose Most Giftable Wine
94 points $20 Best Buy
Grand Barossa 2019  Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$15
Best Buy
A rich and welcoming Barossa Cabernet that delivers the tasty, spicy goods in an elegant package.
94 points $15 Best Buy
Mt Yengo 2020  Shiraz
94 points
$22
A delicious and delightfully savory and spicy Shiraz that is sure to please.
Morambro Creek 2020  Shiraz
94 points
$25
This rich and full Shiraz with savory and herbal notes will pair well with pork or lamb dishes.