If you love red wine as much as I do, you’ll know that finding the perfect bottle is half the fun. From iconic Australian Shiraz to elegant Nebbiolo and bold Malbec, these are the reds that have truly impressed me over the years. They come from different regions, cover different price points, and of course, different styles. Whether you’re building a collection or just looking for your next great pour, here’s my top 10 red wine list—plus a few extra because, let’s be honest, choosing just 10 was impossible!
1. 2020 Grange – Perfection in a bottle
Let’s start with a legend. Penfolds Grange is Australia’s most celebrated red wine, and the 2020 vintage is nothing short of spectacular. Deep, structured, and built to age, this Shiraz delivers intense dark fruit, spice, and perfectly integrated oak. If you want a benchmark for fine Australian wine, this is it.
But, if you've after the best rated Grange of all time - you'd be looking for the 2018.
2. 2012 Château Gruaud-Larose – A Bordeaux classic
From the St-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, Gruaud Larose is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend that showcases power and elegance. It’s got structure, minerality, and the ability to evolve beautifully over time.
Even their second wine, the Sarget is a winner!
Caption: Tasting of the 2012 and 2001 Château Gruaud-Larose and 2012 Sarget by Château Gruaud-Larose. Source: TradingGrapes Founders
3. 2019 Mount Mary Pinot Noir or Brokenwood Pinot Noir - Top tier vs good value
Pinot Noir can be beautifully elegant, and these two are among the best in Australia for their respective price points.
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Mount Mary (Yarra Valley) – Ethereal, complex, and beautifully balanced (high end)
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Brokenwood (Hunter Valley) – Juicy, perfumed, and incredibly drinkable (good value for the price)
Note: Mount Mary also produce a Quintet, that's up their with the best of Bordeaux, at a fraction of the price.
4. 2023 Phase 3 Wines Dero – A new favourite
A fresh addition to my list, this Barossa Valley, Eden Valley Syrah is vibrant, aromatic, and packed with personality. It’s a wine that’s fun yet serious, and one to watch.
They also make a great Fortified Shiraz!
5. 2022 Standish Schubert Theorem – Pure Shiraz
The Standish Wine Company is producing some of Australia’s finest Shiraz, and the Schubert Theorem is a standout. Dark, concentrated, and incredibly layered, it’s a must for lovers of Barossa powerhouses.
It's not the only Shiraz they produce - check out more from Standish.
6. 2022 Sami Odi Hoffman Dalwitz – Boutique excellence
Small-batch Barossa Shiraz at its finest. Sami Odi’s Hoffmann Dallwitz is rich, textured, and wildly expressive, with incredible depth and purity of fruit. It's so sort after that their waitlist takes years to get an allocation!
Shhh: It's coming soon to TradingGrapes 🤫
7. 2021 Vietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco – The Baby Barolo
Nebbiolo lovers, this one’s for you. Vietti’s Perbacco is often called a "baby Barolo," offering all the floral, chalky, and structured goodness of the grape at a fraction of the price.
8. 2022 Torbreck Hillside Vineyard Grenache – Old vine
Grenache doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but this Torbreck Hillside Vineyard bottling is proof that it should. Lush, spicy, and beautifully textured, it’s a wine that sings.
Fun fact: Torbreck's Runrig is one of three Aussie wines that are considered the best in the world!
9. Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier – A benchmark blend
One of Australia’s most iconic cool-climate reds, this blend of Shiraz and Viognier from Canberra District is perfumed, silky, and utterly captivating. Year after year, it remains a must-have.
10. 2020 Clos Troteligotte Malbec – Cahors Done Right
Malbec isn’t just for Argentina. Clos Troteligotte produces some of the best from Cahors, France, where Malbec originates. Deep, brooding, and loaded with dark fruit and minerality.
Honourable mentions: Because 10 wasn’t enough
11. 2018 Rustenberg Malbec – A South African standout, with bold black fruit, spice, and refined tannins.
12. 2018 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon – A structured, classic South African Cabernet, with great ageing potential.
13. 2017 Ridge Zinfandel (US) – A bold, fruit-driven Zinfandel that’s actually a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Carignan, and Petite Sirah, delivering incredible complexity.
Caption: 2017 Ridge Zinfandel. Source: TradingGrapes Founders
Final thoughts
Red wine is all about discovery, enjoyment, and sharing, and this list reflects wines that I personally love from different parts of the words and price points. Whether you’re into big, structured Shiraz, elegant Pinot Noir, or intriguing blends, there’s something here to suit every palate.
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