Multi-award-winning wine writer Tyson Stelzer has announced his Top 250 Australian Wines of 2024, with the prestigious Wine of the Year title going to the Penfolds Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2021. This South Australian vintage is priced at $1180 and has earned an impressive score of 99 points.
In his evaluation, Stelzer said: “The opportunity for Penfolds to create a bold and bombastic blend to commemorate its 180th anniversary must have been tempting, and I love that it chose a very different and compelling path, highlighting not the grandeur of the warmer regions of South Australia in new American oak but the definition and tension of Coonawarra in the epic and cool 2021 season, sensitively framed in seasoned French oak.”
Stelzer described the the wine as a classic Australian blend, highlighting its “fine-boned precision” and vibrant fruitiness from both cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. He noted the integration of crunchy redcurrant and blackcurrant with shiraz blackberries, all balanced by fine-grained tannins. This blend shows that sometimes less is more, earning it the titles of Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz of the Year, Red Wine of the Year, and Wine of the Year.
Despite ongoing challenges in the wine industry, such as economic downturns and adverse weather, Stelzer believes Australian wine has a bright future. He sees the vintages from 2021 to 2024 as especially significant, showcasing exceptional quality that signals a golden era for the industry.
Having stepped down as the editor of the Halliday Wine Companion in 2022, Stelzer continues to influence the wine community through his regular reviews in WBM and Barossa Mag. To support both winemakers and wine lovers during these trying times, he has made his 2024 wine list available for free. The list features a diverse selection of wines, ranging in price from $18 to $1250.
Shiraz dominates the list with 53 different varieties, while other mentions include cabernet sauvignon, riesling, and chardonnay. Stelzer highlights riesling as particularly good value, with many options priced under $40. He also recognises the unique attributes of different regions, showcasing multiple winners for chardonnay, grenache, and shiraz.
Through his Top 250 Australian Wines of 2024, Stelzer not only highlights the best of Australian viticulture, but also advocates for support of local winemakers during challenging times.
To read more on Tyson Stelzer’s Top 250 Australian Wines of 2024, click here.
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