Focus on Australia
G’Day Wine Lover!
We’ve got some great news!
In case you missed our post on Instagram, The Perfect Bottle has just scooped up a Silver Award 🥈 from Wine Searcher for our Australian Wine List 🇦🇺 in London 🇬🇧.
With so much incredible competition, this is a big moment for us; and it’s thanks to you, our community of wine lovers, who keep exploring and enjoying these bottles with us.
Our wines aren’t meant to gather dust; they’re meant to be uncorked, shared, and savoured 🥂. So, to celebrate, we’ve rounded up 12 of our favourite Australian gems for you to try. With our Mix6 and Mix12 offers online, it’s the perfect excuse to fill a case and toast with us.
Here’s to you 🙌, to us 🤝, and to a glass (or two) of something marvellous 🍾🍷.
So let’s talk Aussie…
Henschke Hill of Grace vineyard - Gnadenberg church
Overview and History
Australia has had a wine “industry” for over 200 years but much of their original focus was on fortified wine styles like Sherry and Port. However, it was only in the 1950s and 1960s that saw the emergence of some table wines showing global relevance and potential. In fact, a national awareness and appreciation of fine wine beyond a very niche group of consumers only became apparent in the early seventies. Since then an explosion of production and quality occurred in most of Australia’s states.
Australia’s wine evolution moved from cheap and cheerful, mass produced everyday wines in the 1980s, to full bodied blockbuster reds and heavily oaked Chardonnays, which found favour in the UK and USA markets, throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, on the back of high ratings from global critics. However, this trend evolved significantly since with fine Australian wines becoming more restrained, sophisticated, elegant and world class, more easily being able to compete with the world’s best winemakers by moving away from heavily oaked styles to fresher leaner, occasionally more terroir focused, wines.
Australia is best known for Shiraz (Syrah), Chardonnay and Cabernet (and Bordeaux blends) but its diversity of terroir and climate coupled with a fine oenological culture and a thirst for innovation have led to the emergence of high quality wines from other grape varieties, for example Pinot Noir and Semillon.
That Australia is a producer of some of the finest wines on the planet is no longer in dispute. At the recent Decanter World Wine Awards, Australia was the fourth highest recipient of medals (after France, Italy and Spain). Nearly 17,000 wine were assessed by 248 judges, including 71 Masters of Wine and 23 Master Sommeliers. With around only 5% of wines being awarded a Platinum (97-100 points) or a Gold medal (95-96 points) one gets a sense of the size of the (very) fine wine market.
My business partner William, himself a lover of Aussie wines, suggested I should pick out and discuss twelve of my favourite Aussies that we offer in the shop so you can select the ones that spike your interest.
Blimey, that’s a tough one, but challenge accepted.
In search of our Aussie dozen, we focused on the key varietals, namely Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and the very unique fortified muscat style. A very interesting exercise in that even the wines we left out are outstanding.
So let’s begin:
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most planted white grape in Australia and it was among the first international varieties to thrive across the country’s regions. In the 1980s and 1990s it became synonymous with Australian wine overseas, often in a ripe, full-bodied style (“sunshine in a bottle”). Over time, winemakers shifted toward more refined, cool-climate expressions, balancing richness with freshness and restraint.
Today, the best Australian chardonnays are considered world-class, with benchmarks such as Cullen "Kevin John", Leeuwin Estate Art Series, and Giaconda competing with Burgundy at the highest levels. But let's start with Penfold's Yattarna.
1. Penfolds Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay 2021
Penfolds Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay 2021 is considered Australia’s “white Grange,” created to rival the world’s finest Chardonnays. First released in 1998, it draws fruit from cool-climate regions like Tasmania and the Adelaide Hills. The style emphasizes precision, longevity, and mineral drive. It represents Penfolds’ flagship white, showcasing elegance and ambition. I tasted this recently at a superb line up of top Aussie Chardonnay’s and it was simply outstanding.
What the critics say (extracts):
98/100 Stelzer “concentration..tension..pristine..finish..energy..minerality”
98/100 Larkin “firm..concentrated..structure..fierce..spicy..line”
100/100 Caillard “concentrated..precision..weight..complexity..energy..mineral”
Average Critic Score: 96/100 Value Score: 95/100
Available now: Yes, 6 bottles left
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Penfolds, Yattarna Chardonnay Bin 144, South Australia, 2021
£149.00
Semillon
Better known for its key role in the Sauvignon Blanc blends of Bordeaux Blanc, straight Semillon has found its most distinctive expression in Australia, quite different from its traditional role in the Bordeaux blends. Here it is often made as a single varietal wine, unoaked, with low alcohol and remarkable ageing ability. This style is globally unique and showcases Australia’s innovative approach to classic grapes.
The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is the spiritual home of semillon in Australia. Early-picked fruit, high natural acidity, and neutral winemaking produce wines that seem simple when young but evolve dramatically in bottle. Over time, they develop honeyed, toasty, and lanolin notes without oak influence. Young or old, they are fabulous wines and they are as yet, undeservedly undiscovered.
2. Mount Pleasant Single Vineyard “Lovedale” Semillon Hunter Valley 2018
This outstanding 100% semillon comes from the legendary Lovedale vineyard, planted in 1946 by the estate’s founder, Maurice O’Shea. This vineyard is widely regarded as one of the finest sites for semillon in the Hunter Valley (and arguably the world), producing wines of purity, delicacy, and remarkable longevity. The 2018 vintage displays brightness and precision, with fine acidity and balance that promise graceful development in bottle for decades. I love them.
What the critics say (extracts):
94/100 Wine Advocate “rich..mouthfilling..long..lemongrass..persistent”
94/100 Robert Parker “balanced..structured..complex..refined..elegant”
96/100 Huon Hooke “refined..luminous..precise..complex..elegant..persistent”
Average Critic Score: 94/100 Value Score: 94/100
Available now: Yes, 6 bottles left
Mount Pleasant, Lovedale Single Vineyard, Hunter Valley, 2018
£79.00
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir in Australia has grown into one of the country’s most exciting and expressive varieties, particularly in cool-climate regions such as Tasmania and Victoria. While notoriously difficult to grow, Australia is producing wines that range from bright and perfumed to deeply structured and complex. Modern Australian Pinot offers elegance, purity and terroir and are gaining increasing international recognition. The best are competing with some Premier Cru Burgundies and are often better value.
3. Tolpuddle Coal River Valley (Tasmania) Pinot Noir 2021
Tolpuddle’s Pinot Noir 2021 is a benchmark Tasmanian wine, sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1988. It reflects the cool Coal River Valley climate, giving finely structured and expressive Pinot. The wine shows purity, elegance, and ageing potential. Recognised globally, it has helped cement Tasmania’s reputation for Pinot Noir in Australia and throughout the world.
What the critics say (extracts):
97/100 Falstaff “smoky..cherry..mint..wildberries..linear..minerality”
98/100 Decanter / Sly “fine..floral..mineral..structured..tanninflow..polished”
94/100 Wine Enthusiast “classic..dense..layers..mushroom..harmony..decant”
Average Critic Score: 94/100 Value Score: 94/100
Available now: Yes, 5 in stock
Tolpuddle, Pinot Noir, Coal River Valley, 2021
Cabernet and Cabernet Blends
Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of Australia’s cornerstone red varieties, arriving in the 19th century and has become the second most planted grape (after Shiraz) in the country. Either as a straight variety or as a Cabernet led blend (similar to the Bordeaux blends deliver varietal structure, age-worthiness, and increasingly are reflecting regional terroir. The best examples come from the Margaret River in Western Australia as well as the Coonawarra and Barossa districts of South Australia.
4. Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Wynns Coonawarra John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is the flagship red from Coonawarra’s most famous winery. First produced in 1982, it’s only made in the best vintages from top parcels of cabernet. The style is powerful yet refined, with a reputation for long-term cellaring. It stands as one of Australia’s most collectible cabernets. It ages for decades and it simply a beautiful wine
What the critics say (extracts):
98/100 Love “darkberry..mint..chocolate..energy..fine grained..promise”
98/100 Jordan “refinement..power..finesse..sublime..silky..structure”
97/100 Anson “supple..savory..darkfruits..eucalyptus..depth..swagger”
Average Critic Score: 94/100 Value Score: 94/100
Available now: Yes, 6 in stock
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Wynns Coonawarra Estate, John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra S.A., 2018
£119.00
5. Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet-Merlot Margaret River 2016
Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet-Merlot 2016 is the flagship blend from one of Margaret River’s most iconic biodynamic estates. Named after founder Diana Cullen, it combines cabernet sauvignon with merlot and other Bordeaux varieties. The wine is renowned for its finesse, balance, and longevity. It represents both family legacy and a benchmark of sustainable fine winemaking in Australia.
What the critics say (extracts):
95/100 Josh Raynolds “concentrated..perfumed..penetrating..spice..polished..”
93/100 Christina Pickard “taut..laser..focused..sinewy..supportive..refined”
98/100 James Halliday “elegance..attention..detail..grace..balance..superb”
Average Critic Score: 94/100 Value Score: 93/100
Available now: Yes, 5 bottles left
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Cullen Wines, Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot, Margaret River W.A., 2018
£109.00
6. Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Margaret River 2014
Another great Cabernet is the Vasse Felix Tom Cullity 2014, which is the flagship cabernet-led blend from Margaret River’s founding winery. Named after Dr. Tom Cullity, who planted the region’s first vineyard in 1967, it honours his pioneering vision. Crafted from old-vine cabernet sauvignon and malbec, it showcases elegance, depth, and age-worthiness. It also stands as a tribute to both heritage and regional identity.
What the critics say (extracts):
94/100 Tom Cannavan “'text book vintage'…luxurious, sweet and creamy fruit ”
94/100 Wine Enthusiast “elegant, complex and should age remarkably well.”
95/100 James Suckling “The way that the malbec entwines itself around cabernet's linear tannins and enriches the wine without fundamentally changing its shape is genius.”
Average Critic Score: 94/100 Value Score: 93/100
Available now: Yes, 5 bottles left
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Vasse Felix, Tom Cullity, Margaret River, 2014
Shiraz
Too many to choose from in this category, Shiraz is Australia’s most planted and iconic grape, central to its global wine identity. Australian Shiraz comes from a number of regions but some of the absolute classics can be found in the traditional Barossa and Clare regions of South Australia as well as the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and Victoria. Mainly these are single varietal wines but sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and more recently, viognier. There are hundreds of outstanding Shiraz wines with producers like Penfolds, Henschke, Mount Pleasant, Clonakilla, Torbreck, Yarra Yering leading the way but followed by many others.
7. Mount Pleasant Single Vineyard “Old Paddock and Old Hill” Hunter Valley 2019
Yes another of the wines of Mount Pleasant. Their “Old Paddock and Old Hill” Shiraz 2019 comes from vines first planted in 1880, which is one of the Hunter Valley’s most historic and revered single-vineyard sites. These wines, also originally made by the famed Maurice O’Shea are iconic and I’ve been fortunate enough to try many of them, including some from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. I can asset to their quality, consistency and are-worthiness. I tasted the 2014 recently (sadly sold out) with a couple of customers. and it blew us all away. This 2019 is potentially even better.
What the critics say (extracts):
98/100 James Suckling “..pure red plums..intense..impressive..powerful style..”
95/100 The Wine Front “..boysenberry..raspberry..excellent balance..full-flavoured..”
95/100 Decanter DWAA “aromatic..sandalwood..plum..succulent..fresh..focused..”
Average Critic Score: 95/100 Value Score: 95/100
Available now: Yes, 6 in stock
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Mount Pleasant, Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz, Hunter Valley, 2019
£55.00
8. Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz Eden Valley 2012
Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2012 comes from a single vineyard first planted in 1912, making it one of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated shiraz sites. Crafted by the Henschke family, it expresses Eden Valley’s cooler climate with depth and elegance. The wine is noted for its longevity and sense of place. It remains a benchmark single-vineyard shiraz with over 60 vintages of history. This is no poor sibling of the supreme “Hill of Grace” but hints of the that wine’s lineage and style.
What the critics say (extracts):
97/100 Perrotti-Brown “crushed blackberries..smoked bacon..pepper..elegance”
95/100 Wine Advocate “darkplums..cedar..tension..silky..intensity..balanced”
94/100 Decanter “bright..ripe..blackberry..sandalwood..warmspice..structured”
Average Critic Score: 95/100 Value Score: 94/100
Available now: Yes, 5 bottles left
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Henschke, Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley, 2012
9. Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier 2013
Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2013 is a modern Australian classic inspired by the wines of Côte-Rôtie in France’s Rhône Valley. Crafted in Canberra’s cool climate, it blends shiraz with a small amount of viognier for fragrance and lift. First made in 1992, it has become a benchmark for elegance and spice in Australian shiraz. The 2013 vintage is celebrated for its power, balance, and cellaring potential.
What the critics say (extracts):
98/100 Halliday “ironfist..fragrant..silky..long..spicy..tannins”
98/100 Stelzer “fragrant..spicy..tangy..whitepepper..cherries..superfine”
96/100 Mattinson “spicy..powerful..pepper..darkcherries..intricate..pleasurable”
Average Critic Score: 95/100 Value Score: 95/100
Available now: Yes, 5 bottles left
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Clonakilla, Shiraz-Viognier Canberra District, 2013
10. Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2016
Aside from Grange we could have chosen a number of excellent Shiraz offerings from Penfolds, like the Magill or most of the many high quality “bin numbers like 150, 389 or 28 - not to mention a small of occasionally released special. St Henri Shiraz is unique because it matures in large old vats, letting the fruit shine without heavy oak influence. First made in the 1950s, it’s often seen as a “counterpoint” to the more famous (and expensive) Penfolds Grange. It is a great representation of Penfold’s excellent “house style”. Frankly it’s a bargain.
What the critics say (extracts):
98/100 Suckling “pure..silky..elegant..masterpiece..refined..lengthy”
97/100 Dunnuck “concentrated..rich..refined..elegant..pure..dense”
96/100 Czerwinski “concentrated..tarry..espresso..dense..savory..rich”
Average Critic Score: 95/100 Value Score: 95/100
Available now: Yes, 6 bottles left
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Penfolds, St Henri Shiraz, South Australia, 2016
£89.00
11. Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz 2010
No Australian fine list would be complete without a Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz and the 2010 is one of the most acclaimed vintages of Australia’s flagship wine. First made (in secret) by acclaimed winemaker Max Schubert in 1951, Grange is known for its power, richness, and longevity, blending fruit from multiple regions. The 2010 release earned exceptional global praise, often rated near perfection and it represents the pinnacle of Penfolds’ house style and remains highly collectible – and fabulous.
What the critics say (extracts):
99/100 Suckling “focused..elegant..powerful..layered..seamless..presence”
98/100 Spectator “lustrous..nerve..high-toned..complex..tension..distinctive”
96/100 Keiller “fabulous..intense..tightly wound..layered..purity..power”
Average Critic Score: 98/100 Value Score: 94/100
Available now: Yes, only 1 bottle left
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Penfolds, Grange Bin 95 Shiraz, South Australia, 2010
£499.00
Fortified
Fortified Muscat (along with Topaque) are two of Australia’s most distinctive and world-renowned wine styles, both centred in Rutherglen, Victoria. Muscat is made from brown muscat (muscat à petits grains rouge) and delivers intense flavours of raisin, toffee, spice, and dried fruit. Aged through a solera system, it develops luscious sweetness, richness, and extraordinary complexity. Both styles are classified in ascending tiers (Rutherglen, Classic, Grand, Rare) that reflect age and concentration, with the Rare category standing among the most profound dessert wines in the world.
12. Morris’ Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat NV
Morris’ Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat NV is an iconic fortified from Rutherglen, Victoria, crafted from late-harvest muscat grapes and aged in a solera system. It represents the pinnacle of the region’s unique style, famed for richness, intensity, and complexity. With layers of raisin, spice, and toffee character, it delivers unmatched depth and concentration. Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest dessert wines, it showcases generations of winemaking tradition.
What the critics say (extracts):
100/100 Suckling “festive..rich..layered..complex..intense..celebration”
100/100 Halliday “tsunami..luscious..spices..raisins..chocolate..freshness”
95/100 Czerwinski “mocha..moss..rancio..molasses..dates”
Average Critic Score: 95/100 Value Score: 95/100
Available now: Yes, 4 in stock
(*Best single bottle next day price according to Wine Searcher Pro as at today.)
Morris, Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat, Rutherglen, NV
£99.00
And finally…
So there you have it. A fabulous selection of Aussie gems to comfort you through the Autumn and Winter months ahead. And don’t forget we offer a 3% discount for 6 bottles (Mix6) and a 6% discount for 12 bottles (Mix12). You don’t need to mix the selection above or even the Aussies…any mix from our range qualifies…enjoy!
