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Best of Wine Awards 2023: Red
From bright Tassie pinot and fruity Margaret River cab sav to rich-tasting reds from Spain and Italy, the judges’ picks will satisfy all wine connoisseurs.
Red wine lovers have never had so much choice when it comes to wine quality and breadth of offering. In a category where classic varieties and regions have long had their heels snapped at by alternative counterparts wanting their time in the sun, the judging panel had to examine both lighter and bolder red wines, covering old world and new across varying price points. For the winners, the threads were many – balance, freshness, approachability, flavour. “There was a very consistent high-quality offering across all categories,” says judge Peter Marr, “showcasing how good Aussie wine is at the moment, together with really exciting imports. Point scoring was very close”.
Winner Premium Red (Lighter Varietals) – Nanny Goat Pinot Noir
“This category was one of the most impressive,” says judge Oliver Francis. “It was great to see the work that winemakers put in to extract flavour, tannin and acid for a lighter style wine”. The Nanny Goat Pinot Noir epitomised that, being light on its feet and still delivering on flavour and intensity.
Winner Premium Red (Bolder Varietals) – St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz
“The best wines in this category showed subtle oak influence that integrated into the wine and tannins that were silky smooth,” Oliver says. The St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz was case in point, showing aromas of blackberry, cocoa and subtle baking spices. The palate shows blackberry, cocoa and baking spice with polished tannins.
Winner Red $30 and Under (Lighter Varietals) – Beyond the Wilderness Pinot Noir
Further perpetuating Tasmania’s reputation as a cool-climate powerhouse, the Beyond the Wilderness Pinot Noir won favour with the judges for its brightness and verve. Lifted red cherry and plum aromas nuanced with subtle oak spice. Concentrated fruit flavours and perfectly balanced richness woven together with silver thread of cool-climate acidity.
Winner Red $30 and Under (Bolder Varietals) – Devil's Lair Honeybomb Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec
When it comes to classic Bordeaux varieties in Australia, Margaret River is a mecca. A classic, full-bodied red wine from Devil’s Lair won this category, wholly delivering on value for money with its dark fruit, integrated oak spice and wonderful balance.
Winner International Red (Lighter Varietals) – Bera d’Alba Barbera
“The best wines in this category showed subtle oak influence that integrated into the wine and tannins that were silky smooth,” Oliver says. The St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz was case in point, showing aromas of blackberry, cocoa and subtle baking spices. The palate shows blackberry, cocoa and baking spice with polished tannins.
Winner International Red (Bolder Varietals) – Campo Viejo Gran Reserva
“The wines that performed the best were those that were full and rich but provided balance and elegance,” says Oliver. Campo Viejo Gran Reserva hit all the right notes, with aromas of blackberries, blueberries, plums and a palate holding soft velvety tannins and balanced acidity keeping freshness and verve.
The Finalists
Finalists: International Red (Bolder Varietals)
Correggia Roero Nebbiolo 2019 With bright red fruits supported by earth, dried herbs and spice, this wine’s firm tannins frame a bright and savoury red fruited finish.
Clos de los Siete Malbec A blend of malbec, merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, this has black and blue fruit, herbs and florals. Charming and finessed.
Finalists: International Red (Lighter Varietals)
Stephane Aviron Beaujolais Discover aromas of violet, raspberry, herbs and spice. This light-bodied wine has red cherries, earth, dried herbs and a savoury close.
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Cherry, rhubarb and beet aromas before flavours of plum, cranberry and raspberry with juicy acidity and smooth tannins.
Finalists: Premium Red (Bolder Varietals)
Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon With dark cherry, lavender and subtle dried mint, this features a soft, round palate with dark fruits and fine-grained tannins.
Torbreck The Steading Grenache Blend Ripe and sweet-fruited on the nose and palate, this is soft and ripe, warm and fleshy, with a splash of spice to finish.
Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz Enjoy aromas of forest berries, chocolate, plum and vanilla bean. The palate shows raspberry and black cherry, chocolate cake and spice.
Finalists: Premium Red (Lighter Varietals)
Dicey Pinot Noir Aromas of earth, spice and leather combine with dark cherry. There’s lovely elegance with fine tannins and impressive length.
Peregrine Otago Pinot Noir Aromas of red berries and spice before a finely structured palate showing cacao, red fruit, subtle oak and silky tannins.
James Busby ‘Vineyard Series’ Tasmania Pinot Noir Aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, spice, toast and earth. There’s lovely tannin drive and bright acidity providing freshness.
Orlando Cellar 13 Grenache Raspberry, cherry and spice aromas. A racy palate of vibrant red fruits and fine tannins deliver a medium bodied finish.
Finalists: Red $30 and Under (Bolder Varietals)
Head Wines Head Red GSM Barossa Valley Red fruits, earth and spice aromas. The palate shows bright red and blue fruits before a long juicy finish.
Abbey Vale Shiraz Dark plums and ripe anise-like spice on the nose, silky tannins and understated oak nicely completing this moreish shiraz.
St Hallett Lore of the Land Shiraz Balance, depth and stunning vibrancy. Lush red fruit, spice and great texture lead to a mouth-wateringly moreish finish.
Hither & Yon Cabernet Sauvignon Dark fruit, mocha and liquorice aromas. The palate shows blackcurrant, nougat, chocolate, dried herbs and subtle oak spice.
Finalists: Red $30 and Under (Lighter Varietals)
Nugan Estate King Valley Sangiovese Aromas of cherry, mocha and earth followed by a savoury palate of spicy plum and raspberry with well-integrated tannins.
Freebird McLaren Vale Grenache Plush vibrant cherry spices with elegant red fruits, a beautiful line and length, with mouth-watering tannins.
Yering Station Into The Valley Pinot Noir Aromas of red berries, cherry fruit and spice. The palate shows berry fruit, structure, elegant tannins and succulent acidity.
Products featured are available from 12/04/23 to 16/05/23, while stocks last. Some products or varieties featured may not be available in all stores.
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