Australia and New Zealand are making their best wines ever, from opulent chardonnays to succulent syrahs. Their consistency in quality is second to none. This year, JamesSuckling.com (with the efforts of contributing editor Nick Stock) rated thousands of wines from the Antipodes—these 10 bottles all made the Top 100 Wines of 2015 list.
Tatler Asia

Henschke Eden Valley Hill of Grace Shiraz 2010

The 2010 vintage will be remembered as one of the most perfect renditions of this single site, planted with vines dating back to 1860. Glorious fruit with tannins that shimmer and give the wine wonderful poise. Best in 2022. 99 points

Tatler Asia

Flametree Margaret River SRS Chardonnay 2014

Stunning chardonnay that threads together all the power of the Margaret River—via cleverly steered, restrained winemaking and a great vintage. Breathtakingly complex nose has instant spark, launches fast and sets the mouth watering. Drink now. 98 points

Tatler Asia

Bilancia Hawke’s Bay

La Collina Syrah 2013 Easily the finest edition of this tiny hillside Syrah from Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay. The palate unwinds with a wealth of concentrated dark plum, black cherry and blackberry, as well as dark chocolate and mocha. The tannins fan out. Best from 2019 onwards. 98 points

Tatler Asia

Penfolds South Australia

St Henri Shiraz 2012 Highly anticipated wine from the 2012 vintage that doesn’t disappoint. Just 3% cabernet, with tight-knit red fruit, blackberry, dried redcurrant, goji berry and a subtle undertone of earthiness. Why wait? 98 points

Tatler Asia

Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013

Displays immense quality, depth and completeness. Very complex exotic spices, meaty charcuterie and gamey meat, as well as the array of cherry fruit characters. A masterpiece: commanding and seductive pinot noir at its finest. Drink now. 98 points

Tatler Asia

Clonakilla Canberra District Syrah 2013

A statement of cool-climate syrah expressed with detail and clarity. Immensely complex, even at this young stage. Very resolved and highly distinctive syrah from an exceptional vintage. Drink or hold. 97 points

Tatler Asia

Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Homage Syrah 2013

Super-polished New Zealand syrah with a broad array of fruits—think raspberry, blackberry and cassis—as well as white pepper and graphite, with a clear whole-bunch lift (30%). Best from 2019 onwards. 97 points

Tatler Asia

Neudorf Nelson Moutere Chardonnay 2014

New Zealand white with immaculate shape. Pours on the charm with playfully fleshy yellow stone-fruit flavours. Seductive and long; it holds the finish with precision and poise. Drink now. 97 points

Tatler Asia

Te Mata Hawke’s Bay Coleraine Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Very refined and somewhat vivacious 2013 vintage for Coleraine that asserts itself yet again as one of the best reference wines for New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region. Best from 2020 onwards. 97 points

Tatler Asia

Penfolds Coonawarra Bin 169

Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Has a highly identifiable stamp of Coonawarra with gentle mint notes, blackcurrant and its leaves, and a fine cocoa-like finish. Diamond-like acidity, with terrific depth, length and presence. Really pristine, pure and focused. Tuck this away for 10-plus years. 97 points

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