Header Image: Barossa Eden Valley – Pewsey Vale | Credit: Wine Australia
Four South Australian wines have received perfect 100 point scores in the newly released South Australian Wine Guide 2026. Notably, among others that made the list, you can get one of the finest wines in the state for $28. The digital guide has been published by The Vintage Journal as a comprehensive look at the state’s leading producers and top rated releases.
The guide uses a 100 point scoring system. More than 1300 wines were reviewed. Four wines reached the top score. All four were from the Barossa Valley.
Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2021 was described as a ‘landmark’ vintage with ‘wonderful definition, vinosity and torque’. The wine has cellaring potential until 2048.
Hentley Farm Clos Otto Shiraz 2022 was noted as ‘a great Barossa Shiraz of exceptional definition, density and resonance. Brilliant.’
Seppeltsfield 100-Year-Old Para Vintage Tawny 1925 was praised as ‘a wonderful expression of Australian wine history and ambition. A living curio to share.’
Torbreck RunRig Shiraz Viognier 2022 was highlighted for its espresso, mocha, and dark plum notes with a gravelly finish.
Sixty-two wines received scores of 97 points and above. Henschke appeared most often in this group with four wines scoring 97 points or higher, including one of the perfect scoring bottles.
Three wines were singled out for outstanding quality and great value. The 2025 Rieslingfreak No. 4 Eden Valley Riesling led the group as the most accessible release. It received 97 points and retails for $28 – not bad at all. The Rieslingfreak No. 10 Zenit Riesling 2025 followed with 98 points and retails for $38.
Barossa Valley accounted for nearly 70% of the top scoring wines. McLaren Vale and Clare Valley followed. The Limestone Coast was identified as a region to watch.
Ten critics contributed reviews to the guide. Their backgrounds range from Masters of Wine to leading sommeliers. Contributors include Andrew Caillard MW, Tony Love, Ken Gargett, Jeni Port, Angus Hughson, Shanteh Wale, Cyndal Petty, and Lisa Cardelli.
Publisher and author Angus Hughson says the guide aims to restore balance to the national conversation. “When I first entered the wine trade, over 20 years ago, South Australia was widely described as ‘The Wine State’. While there has been a movement across all states and regions, increasingly the wines from South Australia have been forgotten or undervalued.
“South Australia is by far the largest state in terms of vineyard area and wine production with a long and proud history. The South Australian Wine Guide has been launched to rebalance the ledger and proudly put every South Australian region on a pedestal.”
Contributor Tony Love says the results show the strength of the state’s wine culture. “This year’s South Australian Wine Guide clearly shows there is a thriving culture of provenance and increasing awareness of what each site and style of wine can achieve in the right hands. Every vintage brings more wines of higher quality than the last, wines which reflect their regional roots and what the seasons have presented.”
“There’s undeniable attraction in every glass in this selection, and an exciting trend towards contemporary drinkability across every varietal class.”
“South Australia’s winemakers continue to show they have the diversity of region, variety and style to be at the forefront of a vibrant and evolving consumer desire for excellence and value across all sectors of the wine market.”
Regional highlights are also outlined in the guide. Adelaide Hills continues to see interest in varieties like Fiano, Albariño, and Gamay. Barossa’s 2021 vintage is noted as possibly one of the finest the region has enjoyed. Eden Valley and Clare Valley managed frost and dry conditions in 2025 and produced high-quality Rieslings. McLaren Vale maintains strong momentum in sustainability with high levels of organic and biodynamic certification.
The South Australian Wine Guide 2026 is available now.
For the full guide, click here.
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