Best Mclaren Vale
Clarendon Hills Astralis Shiraz is a McLaren Vale wine from Roman Bratasiuk, sourced from dry-farmed vines planted in the 1920s and regarded as one of Australia's most concentrated and age-worthy single-vineyard Shiraz expressions.
Why this score?
Clarendon Hills Astralis has historic acclaim and high scores, but reputation softened somewhat as ultra-ripe styles fell from favor.
Scoring methodology
Clarendon Hills is an Australian winery founded in 1989 by Roman Bratasiuk and located in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia. The winery specializes in single-vineyard wines, particularly Shiraz and Grenache, sourced from old-vine sites in the Clarendon subdistrict. Bratasiuk's approach emph...
Why this score?
Powerful single vineyard Syrah, old vines and repeated major scores established cult prestige; extreme ripeness and alcohol remain divisive.
Scoring methodology
Yangarra Estate Vineyard is a winery located in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. Established in 2001, the estate practices biodynamic farming across its vineyards, which are cultivated without synthetic herbicides or fertilizers. The property is distinguished by its cultivation of ol...
Why this score?
Biodynamic farming, exceptional Grenache and increasingly elite reviews make Yangarra a modern Australian benchmark.
Scoring methodology
d’Arenberg Winery is a family-owned operation based in McLaren Vale, Australia. Founded in 1912, it’s particularly recognized for its innovative winemaking techniques and the consistently high quality of its Shiraz wines, notably the acclaimed “Dead Arm” variety. The winery caters to wine enthusiast...
d'Arenberg is a historic winery situated in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia, established in 1912 by the Osborn family. The estate is known for producing a diverse portfolio of wines utilizing traditional methods, such as foot-treading and basket pressing, rather than modern mechanize...
Why this score?
Distinctive traditional McLaren Vale wines, old vines and broad critical recognition; quirky branding and substantial portfolio create variability.
Scoring methodology
Mollydooker Wines is an Australian winery founded in 2005 by Sparky and Sarah Marquis, located in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. The winery is known for producing fruit-driven Shiraz and other premium red varietals. Its name is derived from Australian slang for a left-handed person...
Why this score?
Distinctive plush Shiraz, strong consumer ratings and high critic scores in its style; sweetness and extreme richness sharply divide reviewers.
Scoring methodology
Fox Creek Wines is a winery located in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia, established in 1994. The estate began when a group of medical doctors planted grapevines on a property along Fox Creek, discovering that the region's climate was highly suitable for viticulture. Today, the winery...
Why this score?
Bold McLaren Vale Shiraz earned strong historical reviews and consumer enthusiasm; heavily extracted style and uneven recent visibility limit consensus.
Scoring methodology
The Clarendon Hills Astralis Shiraz represents an exceptional expression of Australian wine. Crafted by Roman Bratasiuk, this McLaren Vale icon utilizes vines dating back to 1923, known for their low yield and concentrated fruit character. It’s a notable example of single-vineyard winemaking, favore...
Two Hands Ares Shiraz is an Australian wine made by Two Hands Wines from Shiraz grapes. The Ares cuvée is positioned within the producer's premium range and is based on fruit selected from mature vineyards, with the exact blend of sites and production details depending on the vintage. It is intended...
d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz is a red wine from McLaren Vale in South Australia, produced by d'Arenberg. Its name refers to the dead-arm fungal disease, which can kill one side of a vine and reduce its crop. The wine is made from Shiraz grapes and is associated with concentrated fruit, firm struct...
