The Adelaide Hills has scored a major international coup, with the 2024 Ashton Hills Reserve Chardonnay named #51 in the 2025 VINOUS Top 100 Wines, one of only five Australian wines to earn a place on the list. It’s a defining moment for the small Piccadilly Valley producer, firmly placing them among the world’s best.
VINOUS is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in fine wine, with more than 35,000 tastings conducted annually. Its Top 100 recognises wines that “deliver remarkable quality with an added focus on relative value and availability,” according to founder Antonio Galloni. Ranking at #51 (and receiving a 95 Gold+) puts Ashton Hills in exceptionally rare company.
Critical praise came from VINOUS digital wine specialist Angus Hughson, who called the drop “sophisticated” and “very well pitched to enjoy over the medium term.” Medium-term typically refers to wines that can be stored for up to 5 years, sometimes 7.
Hughson continued that the Chardonnay “instantly appeals with a highly complex opening of grapefruit, dried florals, cantaloupe and a strong backbone of oak and smoky lees.”
“Creamy textures give way to chalky acidity that tightens up the finish,” he added.
VINOUS isn’t the only global authority singing praises. Mike Bennie of Halliday Wine Companion called it a “Cavalade of character, well meshed, harmonious and with vivid drinkability,” also scoring it a 95 Gold.
“It’s complex, layered and intense; more importantly, it feels high quality in all its elements. Serious chardonnay,” Bennie said.
The award adds to a standout year for the region. Earlier in 2025, Wirra Wirra’s 12th Man Adelaide Hills Chardonnay was awarded Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards, further evidence that Adelaide Hills Chardonnay is firmly established on the global stage.
Behind the Ashton Hills accolade is winemaker Liam Van Pelt, who creates the Reserve from multiple Piccadilly Valley parcels, fermenting with indigenous yeast and maturing the wine in French oak for nine months. He reveals the secret is balance.
“I’m looking for a balance of power and elegance when selecting parcel for the Reserve, I believe this tension is the hallmark of great Chardonnay,” he said.
Founded in 1982, Ashton Hills has long been considered a pioneer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Adelaide Hills. Now, with its Reserve Chardonnay officially named one of the world’s top 100 wines, the small Piccadilly producer has taken its place on the world stage. It’s confirmed what lovers of the round, textural style have known for years – Adelaide Hills Chardonnay is world-class (and the region is an absolute gold mine for small-batch, quiet achievers.)
Find the full list of VINOUS’ Top 100 Wines for 2025 here.
2024 Ashton Hills Reserve Chardonnay named global #51, 2025 VINOUS Top 100 Wines
Where: Ashton Hills vineyard, 126 Tregarthen Rd, Ashton
To shop the wine, click here.
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