Your definitive guide to the highest-rated Shiraz from Australia’s premier wine region
McLaren Vale has once again cemented its status as Australia’s undisputed Shiraz capital. As 2025 draws to a close, wine lovers on Vivino continue to reward the region’s producers with some of the highest user ratings in the world, celebrating wines that combine power, generosity, complexity, and unmistakable regional character.
Based on Vivino user ratings and reviews updated through December 2025, here are the Top 25 McLaren Vale Shiraz wines, ranked by the global wine community.
Rankings based on current Vivino user ratings as of December 2025 • Updated weekly to reflect new vintages and evolving preferences
🏆 The Elite Top 5
1. Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz
⭐ 4.6/5 | Price: ~A$230–450
The benchmark. The icon. The wine every other McLaren Vale Shiraz is measured against. Velvet Glove continues its reign at the top of Vivino’s rankings, adored for its unapologetic richness, concentration, and signature Mollydooker intensity.
Why it’s exceptional: Ultra-low-yielding vines, meticulous vineyard work, and Mollydooker’s famous “wow factor” philosophy deliver extraordinary fruit purity and velvety texture.
2. Bekkers Syrah
⭐ 4.5/5 | Price: ~A$130–180
Refined, powerful, and impeccably balanced, Bekkers Syrah remains one of Australia’s most respected modern Shiraz wines. Its elegance and restraint set it apart from more overtly ripe styles.
Why it’s exceptional: Minimal intervention winemaking with a focus on texture, length, and vineyard expression.
3. Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah
⭐ 4.4/5 | Price: ~A$220–450
A legendary single-vineyard Shiraz that continues to capture the imagination of collectors and Vivino users alike. Astralis is revered for its depth, structure, and extraordinary aging potential.
Why it’s exceptional: Produced from old vines grown on ancient Biscay soils, offering raw power balanced by finesse.
4. Woodstock “The Stocks” Shiraz
⭐ 4.4/5 | Price: ~A$110–150
A cult favourite with serious credentials, The Stocks consistently earns top-tier ratings thanks to its old-vine intensity and unmistakable McLaren Vale generosity.
Why it’s exceptional: Sourced from vines over 80 years old, delivering concentration, savoury depth, and length.
5. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$90–120
Mollydooker’s ability to deliver excellence across multiple tiers is on full display with Carnival of Love. Plush, bold, and immediately engaging, it remains a global crowd favourite.
Why it’s exceptional: Delivers the Mollydooker house style with immense flavour and approachability at a more accessible price point.
⭐ The Outstanding Dozen (Ratings 4.2–4.3)
6. Pasha Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$95–120
A consistently high-performing wine known for its depth, richness, and loyal following.
https://curtisfamilyvineyards.com/products/curtis-pasha-mclaren-vale-shiraz
7. Cape Barren Rare Bird Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$95–120
A boutique standout that continues to punch well above its weight with intensity and individuality.
8. Martins Vineyard Limited Series Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$140–160
Small production, meticulous vineyard management, and uncompromising quality define this highly rated release.
https://curtisfamilyvineyards.com/products/curtis-martins-vineyard-limited-mclaren-vale-shiraz
9. Ivyburn Aldersey Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$85–110
A rising star with strong Vivino support, combining power with polish.
10. Two Hands Dave’s Block Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$95–120
From Australia’s Shiraz specialists, Dave’s Block remains a benchmark McLaren Vale expression.
11. Clarendon Hills Liandra Syrah
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$130–180
Structured, elegant, and built to age, showcasing Clarendon Hills’ refined approach.
12. Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$75–95
A polished, classic McLaren Vale Shiraz offering exceptional value and consistency.
13. Cape Barren Flying Goose Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$70–90
Another strong Cape Barren performer, balancing richness with approachability.
14. Two Hands Lily’s Garden Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$65–75
Why it’s great value: Premium Shiraz character at an accessible everyday price.
15. Pirramimma Heritage Limited Edition Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$80–110
From one of McLaren Vale’s oldest family estates, blending tradition with modern refinement.
16. Ivyburn First Minister Barrel Selection Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$90–120
A bold, small-batch release highlighting barrel and vineyard selection excellence.
17. Château Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$45–60
Historic pedigree meets outstanding value from one of Australia’s oldest wine estates.
🍷 The Excellent Selection (Ratings 4.1)
18. Hugh Hamilton Ancient Earth Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$70–90
A distinctive, terroir-driven expression with strong user loyalty.
19. Bondar Violet Hour Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$60–80
Elegant, modern, and expressive, reflecting the new wave of McLaren Vale producers.
20. Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$65–85
Bold and structured, delivering classic McLaren Vale intensity.
21. Mitolo Savitar Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$70–95
A powerful, full-bodied Shiraz with a devoted global following.
22. Pirramimma White Label Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$30–40
Value standout: One of McLaren Vale’s best everyday Shiraz buys.
23. Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$40–50
The gateway Mollydooker — bold, vibrant, and consistently crowd-pleasing.
24. Taylors / Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$35–45
Polished, reliable, and widely available, making it a global favourite.
25. Ulithorne Paternus Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$70–90
A refined boutique expression that rounds out the list with elegance and finesse.
📊 December 2025 Trends & Insights
🏆 Producer Highlights
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Mollydooker continues its dominance with multiple entries and the #1 position.
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Clarendon Hills and Bekkers anchor the ultra-premium category.
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Boutique producers like Cape Barren, Ivyburn, Bondar, and Ulithorne demonstrate McLaren Vale’s depth and diversity.
⭐ Rating Patterns
Most wines cluster between 4.2–4.3 stars, highlighting the region’s remarkable consistency across styles and producers.
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