Wine-Searcher: The Most Expensive Australian Wines of 2025

Australia, while part of the New World of wine, has a viticultural history stretching back to the late 18th century.

In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip planted the nation’s first vines, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the country’s most prestigious industries. That history, however, was also entwined with the displacement and destruction of Aboriginal communities, a fact that remains essential to acknowledge when celebrating Australia’s wine legacy.

From the early days of fortified wines in the 1920s to the revolutionary creation of Penfolds Grange in the mid-20th century, Australian wine has carved out a powerful global identity. Today, it is a world leader in premium reds—particularly Shiraz—while also excelling in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Each year, Wine-Searcher compiles a list of Australia’s most expensive wines based on Global Average Retail Price (GARP). The 2025 ranking showcases both the dominance of South Australian Shiraz and the rising prestige of other varietals and regions.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Australian Wines in 2025 by Wine-Searcher

1. Bass Philip Reserve Pinot Noir, Gippsland – USD 880
   The only Pinot Noir at the very top of the list, Bass Philip has become an icon of cool-climate viticulture. Its old, low-yielding biodynamic vineyards produce wines of extraordinary finesse and longevity.
2. Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley – USD 732
   One of the world’s most famous single-vineyard Shiraz wines, made from vines dating back to the 1860s in the fabled Godfathers Plot.
3. Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz, Barossa Valley – USD 671
   Produced in tiny quantities and matured for four years in new French oak, this cult wine regularly garners 100-point scores from leading critics.
4. Two Hands My Hands Shiraz, Barossa Valley – USD 657
   A flagship Shiraz reflecting the diversity of Barossa terroir, combining opulence with depth.
5. Torbreck The Laird, Barossa Valley – USD 632
   A powerful Shiraz from 1950s-planted vineyards, rich in fruit intensity and built for decades of cellaring.
6. Penfolds Grange Bin 95, South Australia – USD 620
   Australia’s most iconic wine, first made by Max Schubert in the 1950s, and now a global benchmark for Shiraz-Cabernet blends.
7. Hundred Acre Deep Time Ancient Way Shiraz, Barossa Valley – USD 611
   A limited-production Shiraz crafted by Napa-based Hundred Acre, bridging U.S. winemaking philosophies with Australian terroir.
8. Taylors The Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley – USD 589
   Created to celebrate the winery’s 50th anniversary, this ageworthy Cabernet showcases Clare Valley’s potential for world-class Bordeaux varietals.
9. Torbreck The Forebear Shiraz, Barossa Valley – USD 527
   Another powerhouse Shiraz from Torbreck, balancing richness with elegance.
10. Powell & Son Neldner Road Kraehe Marananga Shiraz, Barossa Valley – USD 476
    Produced from 110-year-old vines, this Shiraz highlights the deep heritage of the Barossa through a modern lens.

Regional Highlights Beyond the Top 10

While South Australia, especially the Barossa, dominates the top tier, regional diversity is also worth noting:

• New South Wales (Hunter Valley): Shiraz reigns supreme, with Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz leading at USD 192.
• Victoria (Gippsland & beyond): Pinot Noir shows strong value, with Bass Philip Reserve Pinot Noir topping at USD 880.
• Tasmania: Cool-climate stars, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, remain affordable even at the high end. The Gala Estate Constable Amos Pinot Noir is the priciest at USD 155.
• Western Australia (Margaret River): Cabernet Sauvignon leads, with Cullen Vanya Flower Day Cabernet Sauvignon topping at USD 365.

Shiraz Still Rules—But Diversity Is Rising

The 2025 Wine-Searcher ranking underscores a clear truth: Shiraz is still king in Australia, particularly in South Australia, where heritage vines and international acclaim drive high prices. Yet, Pinot Noir from Victoria and Cabernet Sauvignon from Western Australia are carving out their own prestigious niches.

For collectors, Australia offers both ultra-premium investment-worthy reds and hidden gems from cooler regions at a fraction of the cost of Burgundy or Bordeaux.

Source: Wine-Searcher