Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wines of 2024
The Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wines of 2024 is a prestigious selection that shines a spotlight on Australia’s most exceptional wines. Among the featured regions, McLaren Vale has made a significant impact showcasing its renowned winemaking heritage and innovative approaches to both red and white varieties.
The influence of McLaren Vale’s coastal climate and diverse terroir continues to shine across all price ranges in the Top 100 Wines of 2024 list. While Grenache and Shiraz dominate with impressive entries, McLaren Vale's winemakers have also gained recognition for their distinctive white varieties, demonstrating the versatility and quality of McLaren Vale wines.
Here is a summary of the McLaren Vale wines included in the Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wines for 2024:
Best Australian Red Wines Under $50:
2022 Bondar Wines Midnight Hour Shiraz - $48 | 97 points | Marcus Ellis
"Slinkily supple with natural tannin, dark fruit, and sour plum—exceptional."
$48 | 97 points | Marcus Ellis | Bondar Wines | @bondarwines
2021 Kay Brothers Cuthbert Cabernet Sauvignon
"Signature house intensity with earthy finesse—patience required."
$49 | 95 points | Marcus Ellis | Kay Brothers | @kay_bros
2023 Paralian Wines Marmont Vineyard Grenache
"Stunning texture with cranberry, raspberry leaf, and orange peel notes."
$48 | 96 points | Marcus Ellis | Paralian Wines | @paralianwines
Best Australian Red Wines Over $50:
2022 SC Pannell Old McDonald Grenache
"Layered with redcurrant, rosehip, and a bass note of old-vine depth—majestic."
$80 | 97 points | Marcus Ellis | SC Pannell | @scpannell
2023 Thistledown Wines Sands of Time Single Vineyard Grenache
"Coiled, with cranberry and sumac notes—an exciting prospect for the future."
$95 | 97 points | Marcus Ellis | Thistledown Wines | @thistledownwines
2022 Yangarra Estate Hickinbotham Clarendon Grenache
"Impeccably framed fruit with sandy tannins carrying incredible length."
$80 | 97 points | Marcus Ellis | Yangarra Estate Vineyard | @yangarraestate
Best Australian White Wines Under $40:
2022 Brash Higgins CHN Willamba Hill Vineyard Chenin Blanc
"Savoury, chalky, and layered with complex minerality—this wine sings."
$32 | 95 points | Marcus Ellis | Brash Higgins | @brashhiggins
2023 Coriole Sandalwood Grenache Gris Piquepoul
"Vigorous acidity meets pithy minerality—dry, sapid, and deeply layered."
$34 | 95 points | Marcus Ellis | Coriole | @coriole
Best Australian White Wines Over $40:
2023 Coriole Rubato Reserve Fiano
"Seamless and intense with sea-salt minerality and crushed rock undertones."
$55 | 96 points | Marcus Ellis | Coriole | @coriole
2022 Yangarra Estate Roux Beaute Roussanne
"Intense and layered with spiced pear, dried lime, and fine skin tannins."
$67 | 97 points | Marcus Ellis | Yangarra Estate Vineyard | @yangarraestate
Halliday Tasting Team's Top Wines:
2021 Koomilya JC Block Shiraz – McLaren Vale
"Deep, brooding, and bottomless—this is one heck of a wine."
$120 | 98 points | Marcus Ellis | Pannell | @koomilya
View the full Top 100 Wines at Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wines 2024