Wine

10 Award-Winning Wines You Need Right Now

There’s so much wine out there that it can be a little tricky making an informed decision about which one to buy. Sure, you could pick a producer you like, or a variety – these are generally good rules-of-thumb – but if you want to be extra certain your wine is going to wow you, the best place to start is right here with this list, compiled by Wine Selectors Tasting Panellist and 2019’s Len Evans Tutorial Dux, Adam Walls.

Get your glasses ready and sit down with Adam as he shares his thoughts on the top 10 award-winning wines to snap up now… before they’re gone for good!

Nugan Estate Frasca’s Lane Pinot Grigio 2019 | Gold medal

King Valley is well-known for producing some of the country’s best Pinot Grigio, and this well-made example from the regional experts at Nugan Estate shows why. “This nails the dry, fresh, easy-to-drink Grigio style,” says Adam. “But it’s the silken mouthfeel that really raises the stakes.” And it’s vegan-friendly, too. Get yourself a bottle here.

Wirra Wirra The Lost Watch Riesling 2019 | Trophy + 3 Gold medals

Taking out the Trophy for Best Riesling at the 2019 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards is no easy feat, but Wirra Wirra wasted no time in taking the top honour with the 2019 The Lost Watch Riesling. A textbook Adelaide Hills Riesling, this one lit up the Tasting Panel. “This wine defines energetic,” says Adam. “It’s a vinous firecracker with lime and green apple flavours that will light up your tastebuds – a great pick me up.” Pick it up for yourself here.

Tulloch Cellar Door Release Vermentino 2019 | Gold medal

A clear example of how well Vermentino does in both warmer and cooler climates, this Cellar Door Release Vermentino from the wine legends at Tulloch took out the Best Alternative Variety in NSW at the 2019 NSW Wine Awards – and no wonder. “Tulloch have mastered this lighter-bodied style of Vermentino,” Adam says. “It has this lightness and effortlessness that defies how much flavour it delivers.” Get it delivered to your home here.

Hungerford Hill Classic Series Chardonnay 2018 | Gold medal 

Hungerford Hill is a historic name, and with Chardonnay like this it’s clear they just get better and better. Awarded Gold at the 2019 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, it’s a stone-cold classic. “This one just makes you stand up and just go WOW,” according to Adam. “It makes you wonder how such a light and pure style of wine can have so much going on.” Discover it’s class for yourself here.

Josef Chromy Chardonnay 2018 | Gold medal

Another one for Chardonnay lovers, the Josef Chromy Chardonnay 2018 is from the esteemed producer’s Relbia vineyard in northern Tasmania – and worth every ounce of the Gold medal it was awarded at the 2019 Royal Hobart Wine Show. Adam’s praise for it is effusive. “If you ever needed evidence for the claim that Australia makes Chardonnay that is equal to the world’s best, then this is it.”  Go for Gold with Josef Chromy here.

Serafino GSM Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2018 | 2 Gold medals

McLaren Vale is considered the Australian home of this classic Rhône blend, and Serafino know exactly how to do it well. A Gold medal-winner here and overseas, at the 2019 Royal Melbourne Wine Show and at the 2019 USA Wine Ratings Awards, it’s a star. “Serafino are masters at showing off all of Grenache’s sexy elements,” says Adam. “This blend is plush, silky and complex – just delicious.” Fall in love with it here.

Riorret Lusatia Park Pinot Noir 2018 | Trophy + 3 Gold medals

Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is hard to beat. Little wonder then that this sensational wine from De Bortoli’s Riorret Lusatia Park label’s 2018 vintage took at Gold at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. It really is a wonderful example of small plot winemaking, and is only produced in the best of seasons. “The depth of black and cherry red fruit speaks of this great vineyard,” Adam says, “while the tannin shape and length hint that this is made by masters of their craft.” Experience its deliciousness here.

Leconfield Merlot 2018 | Trophy + Gold medal

Leconfield are widely regarded as having mastered Merlot, so it should come as no surprise that the Leconfield Merlot 2018 captured a Trophy at the Limestone Coast Wine Show awards. Adam is in complete agreement with such recognition. “This is easily one of the best Merlots we’ve seen of late,” he says. “It has a shape and flavour to it that sets it far apart from the rest of the pack.” Taste its magic here.

McWilliam’s McW Reserve 660 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 | 3 Trophies + 3 Gold medals

The McW range from Australian wine icons McWilliam’s has an award-studded reputation, and this cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hilltops is another superb contribution to its legacy. “The Hilltops just keep on delivering classic Cabernet,” Adam observes. “This example is full of signature blackcurrant and dried herb notes with a silken and long tannin backbone.” Looking for another winner to wine down with? You’ve found it here.

Swinney Syrah 2018 | 2 Trophies + 1 Gold medal

The Frankland River region in the remote reaches of Western Australia may not be familiar to many, but with wines like this that’s sure to change. Winner of Gold and Trophy for Best West Australian Shiraz at the 2019 Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, the praise for the Swinney Syrah 2018 has been unanimous. “It just ticks every box,” says Adam. “Great colour, powerful aroma, a bountiful palate full of fruit and spice, polished and savoury tannins – it has it all.” Secure a bottle for yourself here.

Do you have a taste for award-winning wines? Then we recommend you check out at least one of the above. And if you do order a bottle or three, make sure to share the love with us on Facebook and Instagram, and let our great growers know the joy they’re bringing to your lips!