Your definitive guide to the highest-rated Shiraz from Australia’s premier wine region
McLaren Vale continues its reign as Australia’s undisputed Shiraz capital, with wine lovers on Vivino consistently rating the region’s wines among the world’s most exceptional. Based on the latest Vivino user ratings and reviews updated through November 2025, these are the Top 25 McLaren Vale Shiraz wines captivating palates and earning global acclaim.
Rankings based on current Vivino user ratings as of November 2025 • Updated weekly to reflect evolving preferences and new vintages
The Elite Top 5
1. Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz
⭐ 4.6/5 | Price: ~A$230–450
The undisputed king of McLaren Vale Shiraz continues to dominate Vivino rankings worldwide. Velvet Glove is Mollydooker at its most powerful and polished — a wine synonymous with opulence, intensity, and immediate impact.
Why it’s exceptional: Crafted from ultra-low-yielding vines and made using Mollydooker’s signature “wow factor” philosophy, this wine delivers extraordinary fruit density, seamless tannins, and unmistakable richness.
Website: mollydookerwines.com
2. Bekkers Syrah
⭐ 4.5/5 | Price: ~A$130–180
A modern Australian icon, Bekkers Syrah consistently earns elite status among global Shiraz lovers. Refined, powerful, and impeccably balanced, it represents McLaren Vale at its most elegant.
Why it’s exceptional: Minimal intervention winemaking, exceptional vineyard sourcing, and an emphasis on texture and purity set Bekkers apart from more overtly ripe styles.
Website: bekkerswine.com
3. Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah
⭐ 4.4/5 | Price: ~A$220–450
A benchmark single-vineyard Shiraz, Astralis is revered for its depth, longevity, and unmistakable sense of place. Roman Bratasiuk’s terroir-driven philosophy continues to resonate strongly with Vivino users.
Why it’s exceptional: Produced from old vines grown on ancient Biscay soils, Astralis showcases raw power wrapped in precision and restraint.
Website: clarendonhills.com.au
4. Woodstock “The Stocks” Shiraz
⭐ 4.4/5 | Price: ~A$110–150
A cult favourite among Vivino users, The Stocks delivers old-vine intensity with bold McLaren Vale generosity. It’s a wine that overdelivers in both presence and pedigree.
Why it’s exceptional: Sourced from 80+ year-old vines, offering concentration, savoury depth, and impressive structure.
Website: woodstockwineestate.com
5. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$90–120
Carnival of Love continues Mollydooker’s dominance, delivering trademark richness at a more accessible price point than Velvet Glove.
Why it’s exceptional: Plush, ripe fruit, explosive aromatics, and immediate drinkability make this a perennial crowd favourite.
Website: mollydookerwines.com
The Outstanding Dozen (Ratings 4.2–4.3 ★)
6. Pasha Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$95–120
A consistently high-performing wine on Vivino, Pasha offers depth, power, and serious presence.
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 punches well above its weight, Rare Bird is loved for its intensity and individuality.
8. Martins Vineyard Limited Series Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$140–160
Small production, meticulous vineyard work, 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 loyal followers, delivering classic McLaren Vale power with refined polish.
10. Two Hands Dave’s Block Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$95–120
A flagship wine from Australia’s Shiraz specialists, Dave’s Block remains a global favourite.
Website: twohandswines.com
11. Clarendon Hills Liandra Syrah
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$130–180
A beautifully structured wine showcasing Clarendon Hills’ signature elegance and aging potential.
12. Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz
⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~A$75–95
A polished, classic McLaren Vale expression that consistently delivers exceptional value and depth.
13. Cape Barren Flying Goose Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$70–90
Another strong performer from Cape Barren, balancing power 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 a highly accessible price point.
15. Pirramimma Heritage Limited Edition Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$80–110
From one of McLaren Vale’s oldest family estates, this wine blends tradition with modern refinement.
Website: pirramimma.com.au
16. Ivyburn First Minister Barrel Selection Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$90–120
A bold, small-batch release that highlights vineyard and barrel selection excellence.
17. Château Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$45–60
Historic pedigree meets outstanding value in this classic McLaren Vale Shiraz.
Website: chateaureynella.com.au
The Excellent Selection (Ratings 4.1 ★)
18. Hugh Hamilton Ancient Earth Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$70–90
A distinctive, terroir-driven wine with strong Vivino support.
19. Bondar Violet Hour Shiraz
⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~A$60–80
Elegant and modern, this wine reflects the new wave of McLaren Vale producers.
20. Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$65–85
Bold, structured, and unmistakably McLaren Vale.
21. Mitolo Savitar Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$70–95
A powerful, full-bodied style with a devoted following.
22. Pirramimma White Label Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$30–40
Value champion: One of McLaren Vale’s best everyday Shiraz buys.
23. Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz
⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~A$40–50
The gateway Mollydooker — vibrant, bold, 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 rounding out the top 25 with elegance and restraint.
November 2025 Trends & Insights
🏆 Producer Highlights
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Mollydooker remains dominant with multiple entries, including the perennial #1.
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Clarendon Hills and Bekkers continue to anchor the ultra-premium category.
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Boutique producers like Cape Barren, Ivyburn, and Bondar prove small-scale excellence thrives in McLaren Vale.
📊 Rating Patterns
Most wines cluster between 4.2–4.3 stars, reinforcing McLaren Vale’s reputation for consistent, high-quality Shiraz across styles and price points.
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