Australia Tasting Report – Wine Spectator December 2023
Australia’s signature labels continue to play a key role in maintaining the country’s reputation for quality. Bottlings from Mollydooker consistently top the leader board—and for good reason. These estates all make compelling wines, and their scores perennially reflect that. Whether single-vineyard expressions or regional blends, the wines from these leading producers represent the best of what Australia has to offer.
Gigglepot 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon 90 pts
A ripe, generous expression of Cabernet, with blackberry cobbler, vanilla cream, fresh violet and blueberry preserves on a lush, creamy frame, plus accents of mocha. Reveals spice, cedar and additional chocolaty notes on the finish. Drink now.
Maitre’ D 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon 90 pts
A fragrant red, featuring notes of tobacco, oud, palo santo and violet, while hints of eucalyptus and iodine complement the blackberry and blueberry syrup flavors and dense, toothsome tannins.
Drink now through 2036
Velvet Glove 2020 Shiraz 95 pts
Rich and opulent, with notes of chocolate cake, framboise, salted toffee and espresso, along with more savoury details of toasted cumin, rosemary and cedar. A hint of fresh spearmint and shavings of bittersweet chocolate linger on the long, velvety finish. Drink now through 2034.
Carnival of Love 2021 Shiraz 93 pts
This stylish and distinctive red is decidedly ripe, with notes of cherry and berry preserves at the core, accented by spearmint, menthol, spicy clove and cardamom hints that add complexity and aromatics. A chocolaty note gains momentum, as does a touch of sandalwood on the long, expressive finish. Drink now.
Blue Eyed Boy 2021 Shiraz 92 pts
Dense and generous, with ripe black cherry, raspberry and blueberry preserves, accents of espresso and bittersweet chocolate, plus hints of palo santo and spices on the lush, juicy finish. Drink now through 2032.
Enchanted Path 2021 Shiraz, Cabernet 92 pts
Dense and firm, with notes of graphite, black liquorice and fresh-cracked black pepper, along with cedar, tobacco and spices. Delivers ripe, concentrated dried blueberry, plum and cassis flavours, showing plenty of restraint on the black tea–laced finish. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2038.
Two Left Feet 2021 Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot 92 pts
Appealing for its generosity and precision, with berry and cherry flavours that have a ripe, candied edge, showing hints of peppermint, mocha and Saigon cinnamon that add aromatics and complexity. The tannins are dense but polished, leaving a velvety impression. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now.
Boxer 2021 Shiraz 91 pts
Plush and polished, with ripe notes of maraschino cherry, milk chocolate and raspberry pre serves. Details of cinnamon, spicy tobacco and cumin add aromatic interest, with a lingering thread of toasted herbs. Drink now through 2029.
Despite the trials the country has faced, quality Australian wines remain widely available stateside. The country’s producers offer both benchmark styles and innovative expressions, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices. The hope is that wine fans around the world are paying attention, because Australian wines are more than living up to their promise.