Celebrating Excellence: The Halliday Wine Companion's 2024 Varietal Winners

In a remarkable feat of discernment and dedication, the esteemed Halliday Tasting Team undertook the ardent task of reviewing a staggering 8000 wines for the 2024 edition of the Halliday Wine Companion. From this extensive exploration of flavors, aromas, and craftsmanship, a select group of 617 wines emerged with the distinguished title of "top-rated." As the spotlight narrowed further, 17 exceptional varietal winners arose, each representing the pinnacle of their respective categories. Ultimately, these 17 champions converged to anoint one wine as the triumphant "Wine of the Year" - the resplendent Yangarra Estate Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2021.

A Tapestry of Excellence: The 2024 Varietal Winners

Embarking on a journey across various terroirs and varietals, the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion unearthed the gems that exemplify the heights of winemaking artistry. From sparkling wine to fortified gems, here are the wines that were crowned the best in their individual categories:

Sparkling:

• Sittella Wines Grand Prestige Late Disgorged 2009

• Sittella Wines Grand Prestige Late Disgorged 2010

Riesling:

• limefinger Solace Riesling 2022 (Clare Valley)

Chardonnay:

• Landaire Chardonnay 2015 (Padthaway)

• Padthaway Estate Chardonnay 2021

Semillon:

• Pepper Tree Wines Museum Release Limited Release Tallawanta Single Vineyard Semillon 2013 (Hunter Valley)

Sauvignon Blanc:

• Domaine Naturaliste Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Margaret River)

Pinot Gris/Grigio:

• Mayer Bloody Hill Villages Healesville Pinot Gris 2022 (Yarra Valley)

Other Whites and Blends:

• Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2021 (Eden Valley)

Rosé:

• Sutton Grange Winery Fairbank Rosé 2022 (Central Victoria Zone)

Pinot Noir:

• Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 (Yarra Valley)

Grenache and Blends:

• Yangarra Estate Vineyard Old Vine McLaren Vale Grenache 2021 (McLaren Vale)

Shiraz/Syrah:

• Murdoch Hill The Landau Single Vineyard Oakbank Syrah 2021 (Adelaide Hills)

Cabernet Shiraz Blends:

• Bleasdale Vineyards Wellington Road Shiraz Cabernet 2021 (Langhorne Creek)

Cabernet Sauvignon:

• Bleasdale Vineyards The Iron Duke Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Langhorne Creek)

• Houghton C.W. Ferguson Cabernet Malbec 2020 (Frankland River)

• Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 3 2021 (Yarra Valley)

Sweet Wine:

• De Bortoli (Riverina) Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2020 (Riverina)

Fortified Wine:

• All Saints Estate Museum Muscat Non Vintage (Rutherglen)

A Shining Star: The Wine of the Year

From this constellation of excellence, the supreme "Wine of the Year" title was bestowed upon the remarkable Yangarra Estate Vineyard Old Vine Grenache 2021. This embodiment of craftsmanship and terroir encapsulates the essence of the world-class wines featured in the Halliday Wine Companion's 2024 edition.

In a world where each bottle is a testament to the dedication of winemakers and the uniqueness of their vineyards, these varietal winners serve as a reminder of the beauty, diversity, and artistry that the world of wine offers. The Halliday Wine Companion's 2024 edition is a celebration not only of the wines themselves but also of the passion and commitment that make each sip an experience to cherish.