Top 25 McLaren Vale Shiraz Wines by vivino users July 2025

The Ultimate Guide to McLaren Vale's Highest-Rated Shiraz Collection

McLaren Vale continues its reign as Australia's premier Shiraz destination, with wine enthusiasts on Vivino consistently rating the region's wines among the world's finest. Based on the latest user ratings and reviews updated through July 2025, here are the top 25 McLaren Vale Shiraz wines that are capturing the hearts and palates of wine lovers globally.

Rankings based on current Vivino user ratings as of July 2025 • Updated weekly for the most current insights

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The Elite Top 10: McLaren Vale's Shiraz Champions

1. Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2017 ⭐ 4.6/5

Price: ~A$420-450

The undisputed crown jewel of McLaren Vale Shiraz maintains its position at the summit. This exceptional wine from the innovative Mollydooker winery represents the pinnacle of bold, fruit-forward Australian winemaking. With its signature "wow factor" philosophy and velvety richness, the Velvet Glove continues to set the standard for premium McLaren Vale Shiraz.

Website: mollydookerwines.com

2. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2021 ⭐ 4.4/5

Price: ~A$180-220

Mollydooker's dominance continues with their Carnival of Love, showcasing how the winery maintains consistency across different vintages. This recent release demonstrates the evolution of the 2021 vintage while staying true to the house style that made Mollydooker famous worldwide.

3. Pirramimma The Earl Shiraz ⭐ 4.3/5

Price: ~A$120-150

From one of McLaren Vale's oldest family-owned wineries (established 1892), The Earl represents the perfect marriage of tradition and quality. Pirramimma's deep heritage and intimate knowledge of the land shine through in this premium offering that honors 130+ years of winemaking excellence.

Website: pirramimma.com.au

4. Cape Barren Rare Bird Shiraz 2018 ⭐ 4.3/5

Price: ~A$90-120

This boutique producer continues to punch above its weight, with the Rare Bird demonstrating exceptional vineyard site selection and winemaking prowess. The 2018 vintage has clearly resonated with Vivino users seeking distinctive character and terroir expression.

5. The Group The Siege Shiraz ⭐ 4.3/5

Price: ~A$85-110

A modern interpretation of McLaren Vale Shiraz that balances power with elegance, The Siege has earned its place among the elite through consistent quality and distinctive character that represents the new generation of McLaren Vale winemaking.

6. Pasha Shiraz 2018 ⭐ 4.3/5

Price: ~A$100-130

Continuing the exceptional 4.3-star tier, this wine exemplifies the rich, full-bodied character that McLaren Vale is renowned for, delivering complexity and depth that justifies its premium positioning.

7. Martins Vineyard Limited Series Shiraz 2020 ⭐ 4.3/5

Price: ~A$150-180

From a boutique producer focusing on limited production, this wine showcases the attention to detail that comes with small-batch winemaking and represents the artisanal approach to McLaren Vale Shiraz.

8. Hickinbotham Brooks Road Shiraz 2019 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$83-95

Offering excellent value in the premium category, this wine delivers complexity and depth that justifies its mid-tier pricing while showcasing the renowned Hickinbotham vineyard sites.

9. Curtis Family Vineyards Small Batch Shiraz 2021 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$80-100

A testament to the Curtis family's commitment to small-batch winemaking and attention to detail. This recent vintage continues the family's tradition of excellence that dates back centuries to their Italian heritage in 1499.

Website: curtisfamilyvineyards.com

10. Cape Barren Flying Goose Shiraz 2019 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$75-95

Another exceptional offering from Cape Barren, demonstrating their mastery of McLaren Vale terroir across different wine expressions and showcasing the depth of this boutique producer's portfolio.

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The Distinguished 11-25: Premium Excellence Continues

11. Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 2019 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$68-85

From Australia's acclaimed Shiraz specialists, this wine offers exceptional quality at a compelling price point. Two Hands' focus on showcasing the diversity of Australian Shiraz across different regions shines through in this McLaren Vale expression.

Website: twohandswines.com

12. The Black Pig The Legend of Tanuki Wisdom Shiraz ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$75-95

With one of the most intriguing names on the list, this wine delivers on both character and quality, proving that great winemaking transcends conventional marketing approaches.

13. Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2020 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$105-130

A premium wine that justifies its higher price point with exceptional complexity and aging potential, showcasing the Italian-Australian heritage that defines Mitolo's winemaking philosophy.

14. Kay Brothers Hillside Shiraz 2017 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$85-105

From McLaren Vale's oldest family winery still in founding family hands, this wine represents over 130 years of winemaking expertise and tradition, embodying the region's historical continuity.

15. Pirramimma Heritage Limited Edition Shiraz 2022 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$90-115

A recent vintage that showcases the continued evolution and innovation from this historic winery, maintaining their position among the region's elite producers.

16. Hardys Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2017 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$100-165

The flagship offering from one of Australia's most historic wine companies, named in honor of matriarch Eileen Hardy OBE, representing the pinnacle of large-scale premium winemaking.

17. Taylors/Wakefield Masterstroke Shiraz 2021 ⭐ 4.2/5

Price: ~A$50-65

Exceptional value for money from this well-established producer, making premium McLaren Vale accessible to a broader audience of wine enthusiasts.

18. Château Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz 2018 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$39-55

Outstanding value that makes premium McLaren Vale Shiraz accessible to everyday wine lovers while maintaining the quality standards expected from this historic estate.

19. Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2020 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$65-85

From innovative winemaker Ben Riggs, this wine showcases modern winemaking techniques applied to traditional McLaren Vale fruit, creating distinctive and memorable Shiraz.

20. d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2017 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$82-100

From one of McLaren Vale's most innovative wineries, famous for their distinctive approach and the iconic d'Arenberg Cube cellar door experience.

21. Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 2019 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$45-60

Exceptional value from a veteran winemaker who has been instrumental in establishing McLaren Vale's modern reputation for quality Shiraz production.

22. Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2022 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$34-45

Exceptional value from a premium producer, making quality McLaren Vale Shiraz accessible while maintaining the Mollydooker "wow factor" that defines their brand.

23. Pirramimma White Label Classic Shiraz 2020 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$25-35

Consistent quality and traditional winemaking excellence from this family operation, offering outstanding everyday drinking from one of the region's most respected producers.

24. Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 2021 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$35-50

From a historic vineyard site representing six generations of family winemaking, this wine embodies the essence of McLaren Vale terroir and family tradition.

Website: oliverstaranga.com

25. Ulithorne Paternus Shiraz 2018 ⭐ 4.1/5

Price: ~A$59-85

A boutique producer's premium offering that showcases careful vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking, representing the artisanal side of McLaren Vale production.

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Key Trends & Insights: July 2025 Analysis

Rating Sweet Spot

The 4.2 to 4.4-star range continues to dominate top-rated McLaren Vale Shiraz, indicating consistent excellence across the region's diverse producer base.

Price Diversity

Prices range from under $35 to over $450, reflecting the region's broad appeal from everyday enjoyment to collector-level prestige, ensuring accessibility across all market segments.

Family Heritage Strength

Multi-generational family wineries like Pirramimma, Kay Brothers, Curtis Family Vineyards, and Oliver's Taranga continue to excel, showcasing how traditional knowledge enhances modern winemaking.

Boutique Excellence

Smaller producers like Cape Barren and The Black Pig demonstrate that quality transcends scale, with exceptional vineyard site selection and winemaking craftsmanship.

Value Champions

Wines like Mollydooker The Boxer ($34-45) and Pirramimma White Label ($25-35) prove that exceptional McLaren Vale Shiraz doesn't require premium pricing.

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What Makes McLaren Vale Shiraz Special

Unique Terroir Advantage

McLaren Vale's success with Shiraz stems from its extraordinary combination of factors: warm Mediterranean climate providing optimal growing conditions, diverse geology from ancient sea beds to iron-rich soils, and cooling maritime influences from the nearby Gulf St Vincent.

Winemaking Heritage

The region's passionate winemaking community ranges from multi-generational family operations to innovative newcomers, all contributing to a collective pursuit of excellence that has elevated McLaren Vale's global reputation.

Geological Diversity

With over 40 separate geological configurations developed over half a billion years, McLaren Vale offers unparalleled terroir diversity, allowing for distinctive expression across different vineyard sites.

Innovation Meets Tradition

McLaren Vale successfully balances time-honored winemaking traditions with cutting-edge techniques, creating wines that honor the past while embracing the future.

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Shopping Guide: Finding Your Perfect McLaren Vale Shiraz

For Special Occasions (4.4+ Stars)

• Mollydooker Velvet Glove 2017 (4.6★) - The ultimate McLaren Vale experience
• Mollydooker Carnival of Love 2021 (4.4★) - Modern fruit-forward excellence

Premium Everyday Drinking (4.2-4.3 Stars)

• Pirramimma The Earl (4.3★) - Traditional craftsmanship
• Curtis Family Small Batch 2021 (4.2★) - Artisanal quality
• Two Hands Lily's Garden 2019 (4.2★) - Specialist expertise

Outstanding Value (Under $60)

• Mollydooker The Boxer 2022 (4.1★, ~$39) - Premium quality, accessible price
• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 2021 (4.1★, ~$42) - Family heritage value
• Pirramimma White Label 2020 (4.1★, ~$30) - Everyday excellence

Collector Worthy

• Mitolo Savitar 2020 (4.2★) - Aging potential and complexity
• Kay Brothers Hillside 2017 (4.2★) - Historic family estate
• Hardys Eileen Hardy 2017 (4.2★) - Flagship prestige

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Conclusion: McLaren Vale's Continued Excellence

These 25 wines represent the current pinnacle of McLaren Vale Shiraz production, each bottle telling the story of its maker while expressing the unique character that makes McLaren Vale one of the world's great wine regions. From the bold fruit-forward expressions of Mollydooker to the traditional craftsmanship of family estates like Pirramimma and Kay Brothers, this diverse collection showcases why McLaren Vale continues to dominate the global Shiraz conversation.

For wine lovers seeking both exceptional quality and authentic regional character, these Vivino user favorites provide a roadmap to discovering the very best that Australia's most celebrated Shiraz region has to offer.

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Rankings based on Vivino user ratings as of July 2025. Prices are approximate and may vary by retailer and vintage availability. For the most current ratings and reviews, visit Vivino.com.

Explore McLaren Vale Cellars' curated selection of these top-rated Shiraz wines and discover why McLaren Vale remains Australia's premier destination for world-class Shiraz.