The Top 5 Australian Wines, 2026 Edition

[felixp21]

some great thoughts here!!

yes, 2026 edition simply means our greatest wines up to 2026.
by 2036, I'd imagine many wines will have the track record to compete, notably, from the answers here Sami Odi, but for me at least, they are at the moment relative new-comers.
I love Wynns Black Label, it is a fabulous wine at the price point, but I'm not sure many here would pick it if some guy walked up to you and said he'll buy you any case of wine in Australia, it is yours, nothing to pay.
So, I wasn't necessarily listing great wines based on availability and affordability, but simply on quality (with the proviso they are available and not a "special bin" type of wine)

I'll also add, its only my opinion, no more valid than anyone else's here, but its great to get some interesting, and very valid, alternatives.

[Con J]

I agree with Grange and Hill of Grace for iconic status.

Leeuwin Estate yes I’d say Australia’s best Chardonnay, haven’t had many lately but drank heaps from the mid 90s to around 2010 vintage.

There’s a few Cabernets that could be up here but Moss Wood has been the most consistent in quality and enjoyment. I get very little pleasure from young Cabernet.

The last one for me would be Seppelts Sparkling Reds, there’s something special about these wines.

Cheers Con.

Con, great comments, trust you are well
cheers, Malcolm

Hi Malcolm, hope you’re doing well, it’s been a while.
yeah I’m alright mate. Not drinking much these days but still have lots of old Wynns with your name on them.
Let us know when you’re in Melbourne next and we’ll organise a catch up.

Cheers Con

[Ian S]

I love Wynns Black Label, it is a fabulous wine at the price point, but I'm not sure many here would pick it if some guy walked up to you and said he'll buy you any case of wine in Australia, it is yours, nothing to pay.

Based purely on how much they'd be worth for resale, then you'd be absolutely right.

However it's a wine I enjoy at all stages of development, so there aren't many I'd choose over it when talking about a full dozen (and I'd absolutely choose it over a dozen JR). Maybe Craiglee shiraz. Maybe Cullen chardonnay. Maybe Tahbilk Marsanne 1927 vines. Maybe age has me wary of a dozen wines that demand cellaring. Maybe I just have cheap tastes

[phillisc]

I love Wynns Black Label, it is a fabulous wine at the price point, but I'm not sure many here would pick it if some guy walked up to you and said he'll buy you any case of wine in Australia, it is yours, nothing to pay.

Based purely on how much they'd be worth for resale, then you'd be absolutely right.

However it's a wine I enjoy at all stages of development, so there aren't many I'd choose over it when talking about a full dozen (and I'd absolutely choose it over a dozen JR). Maybe Craiglee shiraz. Maybe Cullen chardonnay. Maybe Tahbilk Marsanne 1927 vines. Maybe age has me wary of a dozen wines that demand cellaring. Maybe I just have cheap tastes

Ian, I'd take 6 and 6 (BL/JR)...although with the '22 JR under cork a dozen '22 BL will in the long run, probably be the better bet
Cheers Craig

[A_Steady]

I love Wynns Black Label, it is a fabulous wine at the price point, but I'm not sure many here would pick it if some guy walked up to you and said he'll buy you any case of wine in Australia, it is yours, nothing to pay.

Based purely on how much they'd be worth for resale, then you'd be absolutely right.

However it's a wine I enjoy at all stages of development, so there aren't many I'd choose over it when talking about a full dozen (and I'd absolutely choose it over a dozen JR). Maybe Craiglee shiraz. Maybe Cullen chardonnay. Maybe Tahbilk Marsanne 1927 vines. Maybe age has me wary of a dozen wines that demand cellaring. Maybe I just have cheap tastes

I grabbed 6 x ‘23 Wynns Black Label Cab Sauv with my CT.co credit and CellarTracker won’t let me add it as Black Label, no matter what I try it changes it from Black Label to The Original….

Ian, I'd take 6 and 6 (BL/JR)...although with the '22 JR under cork a dozen '22 BL will in the long run, probably be the better bet
Cheers Craig

[mjs]

I agree with Grange and Hill of Grace for iconic status.

Leeuwin Estate yes I’d say Australia’s best Chardonnay, haven’t had many lately but drank heaps from the mid 90s to around 2010 vintage.

There’s a few Cabernets that could be up here but Moss Wood has been the most consistent in quality and enjoyment. I get very little pleasure from young Cabernet.

The last one for me would be Seppelts Sparkling Reds, there’s something special about these wines.

Cheers Con.

Con, great comments, trust you are well
cheers, Malcolm

Hi Malcolm, hope you’re doing well, it’s been a while.
yeah I’m alright mate. Not drinking much these days but still have lots of old Wynns with your name on them.
Let us know when you’re in Melbourne next and we’ll organise a catch up.

Cheers Con

Thanks Con, will definitely keep that in mind
Cheers, Malcolm

[Rossco]

Thanks Con, will definitely keep that in mind
Cheers, Malcolm

You're going to be a busy man if you ever get back to Melbourne Malcolm

[mjs]

Thanks Con, will definitely keep that in mind
Cheers, Malcolm

You're going to be a busy man if you ever get back to Melbourne Malcolm

Yes, I've also got all of Chris' tasting group's schedule!