Get to know all the winning reds in the Best in Glass Wine Awards.
If you’d like a shortcut to the best red wines in Australia, you’re in luck. We’ve done the hard yards and found the finest wines across the key grape varieties and styles, all in the name of Dan Murphy’s Best in Glass Wine Awards. Tasted, judged, debated and tasted again, these are the wines that won over our panel of esteemed judges. And did we mention they’re all less than $50?
The big annual awards are judged from a mass selection of wines (there were more than 700 this year). As for what the judges look for? It’s simply about the most compelling, approachable and downright delicious wines. “A diversity of opinion was very important in finding the best wines, so we encouraged the judges to look for drinkability, freshness and joy in the wines,” says Dan Murphy’s wine buyer Rob Aitken.
Sound like your kind of wine comp? Read on for a snapshot of all the winning red wines from here in Australia and overseas.
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1. Best Australian pinot noir
- Wine: Stonier Pinot Noir
- Region: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- What to expect: Newer to pinot and haven’t seen the light? This might be the wine to do it. It’s smooth and balances red fruit flavours with gamey, savoury and smoky notes.
- Pair it with: You can’t go past the classic duck match (we’re ordering Peking duck pancakes).
2. Best Australian grenache
- Wine: Langmeil Rough Diamond Grenache
- Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
- What to expect: This wine proves that grenache overdelivers. Fruity, floral aromas lead to juicy red-fruit flavours, a gentle spice and soft tannins. In short? Yum.
- Pair it with: Slow-cooked lamb shanks or even crispy skin salmon.
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3. Best Australian shiraz
- Wine: Torbreck The Sporran Shiraz
- Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
- What to expect: Torbreck is among our most coveted wineries and this wine reveals why. It’s rich with dark fruit flavours, a little spice and pepper – everything people love about great Barossa shiraz.
- Pair it with: Call us old-fashioned, but we’re going with a quality barbecued steak.
4. Best Australian cabernet sauvignon
- Wine: Greenock Creek Four Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon
- Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
- What to expect: Yes, Barossa does great cabernet too, as this powerful wine proves. For anyone into big, bold reds, this could become a new favourite (or be the best gift you’ve ever given).
- Pair it with: A hearty lamb stew is calling – it will stand up to the wine’s intensity.
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5. Best Australian red blend
- Wine: St Hugo Cabernet Shiraz 2022
- Region: Barossa Valley and Coonawarra, South Australia
- What to expect: Not just a varietal blend, this wine combines two top regions. Dark fruit flavours shine in this powerful wine, which will only get better with age – if you can keep your hands off it.
- Pair it with: This wine is the perfect excuse for a roast lamb with all the trimmings.
6. Best Australian other red
- Wine: Pirramimma Reserve White Label McLaren Vale Petit Verdot
- Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
- What to expect: Despite this variety’s name, there’s nothing “petit” about it. Descriptors like rich, intense and powerful fit here, with plum, blackcurrant and mocha flavours rounding it out.
- Pair it with: If you know someone who loves to smoke brisket on the barbie, turn up with this wine (and you’ll be invited back).
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1. Best international pinot noir
- Wine: Decoy by Duckhorn California Pinot Noir
- Region: California, US
- What to expect: This plush pinot has a swag of red and black fruit flavours, but herbal and savoury notes give this wine layers that’ll have you going back for another sip.
- Pair it with: This wine is perfect next to a roast chook or mushroom risotto.
2. Best international grenache
- Wine: Paul Jaboulet Secret de Famille
- Region: Rhone Valley, France
- What to expect: With aromas of red berries, this rich grenache has floral and spicy notes, and it feels almost velvety with each sip.
- Pair it with: This wine will sing next to a rich lasagne or ratatouille.
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3. Best international shiraz
- Wine: Château des Crès Ricards Oenethra
- Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- What to expect: Into big reds but still like them fresh? This is for you, complete with black fruit flavours, mocha notes and a silky palate.
- Pair it with: Go all out on a peak winter-comfort dish and put braised beef cheeks on the menu.
4. Best international cabernet sauvignon
- Wine: Chapelle de Potensac Medoc
- Region: Bordeaux, France
- What to expect: Smooth, fresh and aromatic, this wine proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune for a quality red from this top region.
- Pair it with: Give lamb chops some time in oil, garlic and your favourite herbs before throwing them on the barbie for a perfect match.
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5. Best international red blend
- Wine: Coutada Velha Signature Red Blend
- Region: Alentejo, Portugal
- What to expect: Portuguese wines are some of the world’s most underrated, and this complex, spiced and fruit-driven blend is an excellent place to start.
- Pair it with: Throw some big flavours at this blend – chorizo, spice, rich fatty meats... The works.
6. Best international other red
- Wine: Frescobaldi Nippozano Riserva
- Region: Tuscany, Italy
- What to expect: Red fruit flavours – including the variety’s hallmark cherry characters – plus earthy spice and great acidity ensure this is everything great sangiovese should be.
- Pair it with: Everything from pizza and pasta to roasts and braises will taste even better with a glass of this wine.
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Want to taste the winners? Showcase events are landing in key stores across Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart on May 30. Find all details here.
Want more Best in Glass Wine Awards winners? Discover the best whites, best value wines and the judges’ top picks.
