When reviewing the most expensive Australian wines of 2024, it's worth revisiting the previous year’s lineup, which both reflects and diverges in notable ways.
While Shiraz continues to dominate the list, there are appearances by Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon that add variety. Unexpectedly, a Pinot Noir takes the top position this year.
1. Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir – USD 928
Reclaiming the top spot for 2024 is the Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir, coming in at USD 928, a notable jump from last year's USD 815. Remarkably, this is more than double the average price of USD 430 from 2014, reflecting its steady rise over the years. Though its score dipped slightly from 95 to 94, it remains one of the most coveted wines from Gippsland, Australia, known for its complex and elegant profile.
2. Penfolds Bin 170 Kalimna Vineyard Shiraz – USD 924
The Penfolds Bin 170 Kalimna Vineyard Shiraz makes a surprising appearance, not having featured in the 2023 list. Despite no new vintages since 2010, the Kalimna Shiraz still holds a revered place in Australian wine, with a score of 96. While its price dropped significantly from USD 1377 in 2014 to USD 924 this year, it remains a high-quality, classic Barossa Valley Shiraz.
3. Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz – USD 759
Rising in rank, the Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz did not feature last year but now secures third place at USD 759. This iconic wine from Eden Valley owes much of its reputation to its extraordinary Godfathers block, which contains some of the world’s oldest intact vines. With a consistent score of 96 from 373 critic reviews, the Hill of Grace Shiraz is praised for its exceptional aging potential, and its price has steadily climbed from USD 555 in 2014.
4. Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz – USD 710
The Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz remains consistent in fourth place, although its price and score have seen significant increases since last year. At USD 710 and a score of 95, it continues to build on its legacy in Barossa Shiraz. A deeper look into its price history shows volatility, with highs of USD 908 in 2019 followed by a dramatic plunge to USD 55 shortly thereafter. It has since stabilized at a more typical price for premium Shiraz.
5. Two Hands Wines My Hands Shiraz – USD 704
At USD 704, the Two Hands Wines My Hands Shiraz occupies fifth place with an exceptional score of 97. Two Hands’ dedication to showcasing Shiraz’s regional diversity is reflected in this wine, which highlights Barossa’s character. Since 2014, when the average price was USD 481, this Shiraz has gradually climbed in value, paralleling its rising acclaim.
6. Torbreck The Laird – USD 653
The Torbreck The Laird sees only a slight price change from last year, dropping from USD 655 to USD 653. Its consistent score of 96 and long-standing reputation for quality make it a reliable investment for collectors. Historically, its price peaked at USD 744 in 2014, but it has since settled comfortably around the mid-USD 600 range.
7. Penfolds Grange Bin 95 – USD 643
Perhaps Australia's most famous wine, Penfolds Grange Bin 95 remains a stalwart of premium wine lists worldwide. This multi-regional Shiraz blend, revered since the 1950s, continues to earn critical praise. While its price has only risen marginally from USD 623 last year to USD 643 this year, its consistency in both quality and price over the past decade is remarkable, with a total increase of just USD 69.
8. Taylors The Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon – USD 624
Moving into eighth place is Taylors The Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon, with a current average price of USD 624, up from last year's USD 587. Released as a tribute to the company’s 50th year, this Cabernet has quickly earned a place among Australia’s most prestigious wines, with its price history remaining stable.
9. Aphelion Wait Vineyard Grenache – USD 616
The relatively young Aphelion Wait Vineyard Grenache continues its meteoric rise, placing ninth this year. Priced at USD 616 with a score of 94, this McLaren Vale Grenache reflects the growing trend of Mediterranean varieties thriving in Australia’s climate. Aphelion’s ability to capture the essence of sunshine in a bottle has made it a favorite among critics.
10. Hundred Acre 'Deep Time' Ancient Way Vineyard Summer’s Block Shiraz – USD 568
Rounding out the top 10 is the Hundred Acre 'Deep Time' Ancient Way Vineyard Summer’s Block Shiraz at USD 568, down slightly from last year’s USD 598. Though it has slipped in both rank and price, its solid score of 93 ensures its continued appeal to serious collectors.
The Big Picture
While Australia’s premium wines haven’t experienced dramatic price hikes, they continue to offer incredible value and quality. Shiraz remains the dominant force in the upper echelons, but the presence of other varietals, especially Pinot Noir and Grenache, hints at a more diverse future. With several wines displaying consistent or modest price increases, the Australian wine scene is steadily maturing, offering collectors and enthusiasts alike an impressive range of options in 2024.
Source: Wine-Searcher