Articles
When wine enthusiasts discuss the world's greatest Shiraz (or Syrah, as it's known in many regions), Australia's McLaren Vale inevitably commands the spotlight. This celebrated wine region, nestled just 40 kilometres south of Adelaide in South Australia, has earned its reputation as one of the premier Shiraz-producing regions on the planet. But what exactly elevates McLaren Vale Shiraz to its world-class status? Let's uncork the secrets behind these exceptional wines.
Top-Rated Icons
Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2017 (4.6 ā
, $229.95)
Clarendon Hills Astralis 2010 (4.6 ā
, $250.58)Premium, collector-worthy wines with elite ratings and high price tags.
š Strong Contenders (4.3ā4.4 ā
)
Mitolo Marsican Shiraz 2015 (4.4 ā
, $209.98)
Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2021 (4.4 ā
, $89.99)
Several high-performing wines with limited pricing data, including Cape Barren Rare Bird, Pirramimma The Earl, and Pasha Shiraz.
š Curtis Family Vineyardsā Strong Presence
Three Curtis wines made the list:
Cavaliere Shiraz 2020 (4.3 ā
)
Limited Series Shiraz 2016 (4.2 ā
)
Small Batch Shiraz 2021 (4.2 ā
)A strong showing for quality and consistency.
š° Great Value Pick
Two Hands Lilyās Garden Shiraz 2019 (4.2 ā
, $64.99)
š Overall Insights
Most top-rated wines fall in the 4.2ā4.4 range.
Prices vary widelyāfrom under $70 to over $250āhighlighting both boutique luxury and excellent-value options.
McLaren Vale continues to shine as a powerhouse for bold, expressive Shiraz.
Top of the List
Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2017 (4.6 ā
ā $197.63)
Clarendon Hills Astralis 2010 (4.6 ā
ā $217.51)Both wines continue to dominate with elite ratings and ultra-premium pricing.
š High-Scoring & Well-Loved
Mitolo Marsican Shiraz 2015 (4.4 ā
ā $209.98)
Oliver's Taranga HJ Shiraz (4.4 ā
ā $56.95)
Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2021 (4.4 ā
ā $89.99)Offering prestige, heritage, and value in one glass.
š° Top Value Picks
Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2020 (4.2 ā
ā $29.88)
Martins Vineyard Limited Series Shiraz 2020 (4.3 ā
ā $44.25)
Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 2019 (4.2 ā
ā $44.94)These wines deliver high ratings at approachable price points.
š· Curtis Family Vineyardsā Strong Presence
Three wines from Curtis made the list again:
Cavaliere Shiraz 2020 (4.3 ā
)
Limited Series Shiraz 2016 (4.2 ā
)
Small Batch Shiraz 2021 (4.2 ā
)
š Key Takeaways
4.2ā4.4 stars is the dominant range for this month's top wines.
Only a few wines surpassed the 4.5 mark, making them rare gems.
Price points vary widely, from $30 to $250+, catering to both collectors and casual wine lovers.
Top-Rated Standouts
Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2017 and Clarendon Hills Astralis 2010 lead the pack with outstanding 4.6-star ratings and premium price tags ($197ā$250).
Mitolo Marsican Shiraz 2015 and Oliver's Taranga HJ Shiraz follow closely with strong 4.4-star ratings.
š° Value Picks
Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2020 ā $29.88 for a 4.2ā
rating
Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 2019 ā $44.94 with a solid 4.2ā
š·ļø Curtis Wines in the Top 25
Curtis Family Vineyards continues to impress with five entries:
Cavaliere Shiraz 2020 ā 4.3ā
Martins Vineyard Limited Series Shiraz 2020 āĀ 4.3ā
Pasha Shiraz 2018 āĀ 4.3ā
Limited Series Shiraz 2016 ā 4.2ā
Small Batch Shiraz 2021 ā 4.2ā
š Overall Trends
4.2 to 4.4 stars is the sweet spot for top-rated McLaren Vale Shiraz.
Prices range widely from ~$30 to over $200, reflecting a broad appeal from everyday enjoyment to collector-level prestige.
š Top Performers
Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2017 (4.6 ā
ā $197.63)
Clarendon Hills Astralis 2010 (4.6 ā
ā $217.51)Luxury labels lead the rankings with exceptional scores and premium pricing.
š„ Highly Rated and Popular
Mitolo Marsican Shiraz 2015 (4.4 ā
ā $209.98)
Oliverās Taranga HJ Shiraz (4.4 ā
ā $56.95)
Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2021 (4.4 ā
ā $89.99)A mix of boutique prestige and strong consumer appeal.
š Top Value Options
Martins Vineyard Limited Series Shiraz 2020 (4.3 ā
ā $44.25)
Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2020 (4.2 ā
ā $29.88)
Two Hands Lilyās Garden Shiraz 2019 (4.2 ā
ā $44.94)High quality without the high price tag.
š· Curtis Family Vineyards Well Represented
Four Curtis wines made the cut:
Cavaliere Shiraz 2020 (4.3 ā
)
Limited Series Shiraz 2016 (4.2 ā
)
Small Batch Shiraz 2021 (4.2 ā
)
š Key Trends
4.2ā4.4 stars dominated the list.
Limited pricing data across some emerging or boutique labels.
Strong showings from both iconic brands and rising boutique producers.
Nestled in the heart of South Australia's wine country, McLaren Vale beckons wine enthusiasts from around the world with its breath taking landscapes and exquisite wines.
This picturesque region offers a unique wine tasting experience that changes with each season, inviting you to explore its vineyards and indulge your senses at any time of the year. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveller, McLaren Vale promises a journey filled with flavour, culture, and discovery.
