The Ultimate Guide to McLaren Vale's Highest-Rated Shiraz Collection
McLaren Vale cements its legacy as Australia's undisputed Shiraz powerhouse, with wine enthusiasts on Vivino continuing to rank the region's wines among the world's most extraordinary. Based on the latest user ratings and reviews updated through September 2025, here are the top 25 McLaren Vale Shiraz wines that are captivating palates and earning rave reviews from wine lovers across the globe.
Rankings based on current Vivino user ratings as of September 2025 • Updated weekly to reflect evolving preferences and new vintages
The Crown Jewels: Top 5
1. Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2017
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5 | Price: ~$420
The undisputed monarch of McLaren Vale Shiraz maintains its throne with remarkable consistency. This exceptional wine from the pioneering Mollydooker winery epitomises bold, fruit-forward Australian winemaking at its absolute finest. With its legendary "wow factor" philosophy, signature velvety texture, and unmistakable red stripe label, the Velvet Glove remains the gold standard for premium McLaren Vale Shiraz worldwide.
Sparky and Sarah Marquis created Mollydooker in 2005 with a vision to craft wines that make people go "wow!" on first sip. The Velvet Glove delivers exactly that—an opulent, full-bodied experience with layers of dark berry fruits, chocolate, and spice.
Why it tops the list: Unparalleled richness, perfect balance, and consistent quality that justifies its premium positioning.
2. Clarendon Hills Astralis 2010
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5 | Price: ~$450
A stunning single-vineyard masterpiece from Clarendon Hills that demonstrates the extraordinary heights McLaren Vale Shiraz can achieve. Roman Bratasiuk's revolutionary single-vineyard approach creates wines of exceptional depth and terroir expression that have captured Vivino users' imagination worldwide.
The Astralis vineyard, planted in 1922, produces some of the most concentrated and age-worthy Shiraz in Australia. This wine is a testament to old-vine magic and meticulous winemaking.
What makes it special: Single-vineyard purity, old-vine intensity, and remarkable aging potential that develops extraordinary complexity over time.
3. Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz 2022
Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 | Price: ~$125
Mollydooker's consistent excellence continues with their Carnival of Love, showcasing the winery's ability to maintain exceptional quality across different vintages. This recent release perfectly demonstrates the evolution and refinement that has made Mollydooker a global phenomenon, offering accessibility without compromising on the signature "wow factor."
The appeal: Premium quality at a more accessible price point, making it perfect for special occasions without breaking the bank.
4. Pirramimma The Earl Shiraz
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~$85
From one of McLaren Vale's most venerable family-owned wineries (established 1892), The Earl represents the sublime marriage of generational wisdom and uncompromising quality. Pirramimma's profound heritage and intimate terroir knowledge manifest brilliantly in this premium offering.
The Johnston family's commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques shines through in every bottle.
Heritage highlight: Six generations of family winemaking expertise captured in a single, exceptional bottle.
5. Cape Barren Rare Bird Shiraz 2018
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~$95
This boutique producer continues to exceed expectations, 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 authentic terroir expression.
Boutique brilliance: Small-production attention to detail that creates wines with genuine personality and distinction.
The Elite Tier: Positions 6-15
6. The Group The Siege Shiraz
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~$90
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.
7. Pasha Shiraz 2018
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~$100
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 fully justifies its premium positioning.
8. Curtis Family Vineyards Cavaliere Shiraz 2020
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~$120
The Curtis family have been crafting wine in McLaren Vale since 1973, with winemaking heritage tracing back to Italy in 1499. The Cavaliere showcases their mastery of blending old-world traditions with new-world fruit intensity.
9. Martins Vineyard Limited Series Shiraz 2020
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 | Price: ~$150
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.
10. Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2022
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$65
Exceptional value from Mollydooker's stable, making quality McLaren Vale Shiraz accessible while maintaining the distinctive "wow factor" that defines their brand globally. Perfect for everyday indulgence.
11. Curtis Family Vineyards Small Batch Shiraz 2021
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$80
A testament to small-batch winemaking and the meticulous attention to detail that Curtis Family Vineyards is celebrated for throughout the region.
12. Cape Barren Flying Goose Shiraz 2019
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$75
Another exceptional wine from Cape Barren, demonstrating their mastery of McLaren Vale terroir across different vineyard expressions and wine styles.
13. Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz 2019
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$69
From one of Australia's most acclaimed Shiraz specialists, this wine offers exceptional quality at a compelling price point. Two Hands' reputation for showcasing diverse Australian Shiraz expressions is evident in this outstanding McLaren Vale offering.
14. The Black Pig The Legend of Tanuki Wisdom Shiraz
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$55
With one of the most intriguing names on the list, this wine delivers on both character and quality, proving that exceptional winemaking can come with a sense of humour and personality.
15. Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2020
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$105
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.
Outstanding Value: Positions 16-25
16. Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$85
Consistent quality and traditional winemaking excellence from this historic family operation, offering outstanding everyday drinking from one of the region's most respected producers.
17. Yangarra Estate High Sands Shiraz 2020
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$55
Biodynamic excellence from Yangarra, where sustainable farming practices meet exceptional winemaking to create wines with authentic terroir expression and environmental consciousness.
18. Shingleback The Gate Shiraz 2020
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$45
Exceptional value from a producer known for consistency and accessibility, making quality McLaren Vale Shiraz available to a broader audience without compromising character.
19. Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$95
Premium quality from this iconic McLaren Vale producer, the RSW (Robert Strangways Wigley) honours the winery's founder with a wine of distinction and elegance.
20. d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2020
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$40
Outstanding everyday drinking from one of McLaren Vale's most recognisable names, offering reliable quality and the distinctive d'Arenberg character at an accessible price.
21. Curtis Family Vineyards Limited Series Shiraz 2016
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 | Price: ~$90
Demonstrating impressive aging, this older vintage from Curtis showcases how McLaren Vale Shiraz develops complexity and refinement with proper cellaring.
22. Penny's Hill Cracking Black Shiraz 2020
Rating: ⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~$38
Fantastic value from Penny's Hill, proving that quality McLaren Vale Shiraz doesn't require a premium price tag. Perfect for casual enjoyment and entertaining.
23. Chalk Hill Blue Poles Shiraz
Rating: ⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~$55
Named after one of Australia's most famous artworks, this wine combines artistic flair with solid winemaking fundamentals and regional character.
24. Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2021
Rating: ⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~$48
From one of McLaren Vale's pioneering organic vineyards, the Redstone represents sustainable winemaking practices that don't compromise on flavour or quality.
25. SC Pannell Shiraz 2021
Rating: ⭐ 4.1/5 | Price: ~$45
Winemaker of the Year Steve Pannell brings his considerable expertise to this exceptional wine that over-delivers for its price point, showcasing elegance and regional typicity.
September 2025 Trends and Insights
🌟 What's Hot This Month
New Vintages Making Waves: The 2022 and 2023 releases are showing exceptional promise, with many earning immediate recognition from Vivino users. The 2022 vintage, in particular, is being hailed as a modern classic for McLaren Vale.
Mollydooker's Continued Dominance: With three wines in the top 10, Mollydooker continues to set the standard for fruit-forward, high-impact McLaren Vale Shiraz that resonates with global audiences.
Boutique Excellence: Smaller producers like Cape Barren, Curtis Family Vineyards, and Martins Vineyard are holding their own against larger, more established names, demonstrating that quality trumps scale.
Single-Vineyard Prestige: The inclusion of Clarendon Hills Astralis at #2 showcases the growing appreciation for single-vineyard expressions that capture the essence of specific terroir.
💰 Price and Value Observations
4.2 to 4.6-star sweet spot: The concentration of ratings in this range reflects consistent regional excellence across price points.
Value spectrum: Prices range from under $40 to over $450, ensuring accessibility for all budgets while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Best value picks: Wines in the $40-$70 range offer exceptional quality-to-price ratios, with bottles like d'Arenberg The Footbolt and Mollydooker The Boxer leading the charge.
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