Online wine marketer Langton’s has released its classification of local wines which includes 139 of Australia’s best performing and most prized labels.
Classified into ‘exceptional’, ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’, 21 wines made it into the top ranking.
Along with Penfold’s Grange, ‘exceptional’ wines include Henschke’s Hill of Grace Shiraz, Jim Barry’s The Armagh Shiraz and the John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon from Wynns Coonawarra Estate.
Langton’s head of auctions Tamara Grischy said the list had unearthed some new and different styles that were making their mark on the fine wine world, The Weekly Times reports.
“Our winemakers have driven the transformation of Australian chardonnay, from bold and oaky to refined and elegant,” Grischy said. “The demand for this style is clear to see, with a number of Chardonnay wines being recognised.”
Forty-nine wines made it into the ‘outstanding’ category, including Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon, Bindi Block 5 Pinot Noir, and Best’s Thomson Family Great Western Shiraz.
The largest category, ‘excellent’ holds 69 ‘established market performers with superior reputations’. Wines in this category include Castagna Genesis Syrah, Crawford River Wines Riesling and Noon Winery Eclipse Grenache Blend.
Entry into the Classification is based on a wine’s reputation and track record at auction. The inaugural Classification, in 1990, included just 34 wines.