10 of the Best Wines from Australia and New Zealand
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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