Australian Wine Day has arrived, so when’s better time to celebrate their exceptional diversity? The region continues to redefine what wine lovers can expect from the New World.
Australia’s reputation as a producer of top-tier wines was solidified once again at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) blind-tasted and judged by the world’s foremost wine experts, Australian whites were celebrated for their purity, energy, and precision. From the maritime freshness of McLaren Vale’s Fiano to the waxy elegance of Victoria’s Marsanne, there is something for every wine lover. Rieslings, in particular, have achieved global renown for their purity and ageing potential.
Headed by joint Regional Chairs Huon Hooke and Justin Knock MW, the Australia judging panel awarded over 50 Gold medals in 2024. Re-tasted in second and third rounds of judging, 10 of these were elevated to Platinum and eight to Best in Show.
Scroll down to 16 award-winning Australian white wines from DWWA 2024
Blind-tasted and judged by the world’s foremost wine experts, ‘It’s another layer in the (judging) process which shows that it’s really robust and that we value everybody’s opinion on the panels, and that’s why we look for experts within their regions so that we can really bring out those discussions and give every single wine a chance,’ shared a Co-Chair. Good wines will slowly move up through several tasters’ palates to ensure that it really is deserved of its Gold, until it reaches the very top of that pyramid, where it will come out (if it’s an amazing wine) as either a Platinum or one of the competition’s Top 50 Best in Show.’
‘The top wines absolutely, absolutely come through,’ affirmed one judge, underscoring the exceptional quality of Australian whites.
On quality, Stefan Neumann MS, Regional Chair weighed in: ‘The overall quality of these wines was just outstanding’. Vibrant acidity, regional expression, and innovative winemaking define Australian white wines. ‘We’ve seen really great wines across all categories,’ remarked another judge, reflecting the depth of talent across Australia’s wine regions. From Yarra Valley’s nuanced Savagnin to Margaret River’s zesty Sauvignon Blancs, every bottle tells a unique story.
Australia’s stellar performance at the 2024 competition once again proves its commitment to producing world-class wines. Here are 16 outstanding Australian white wines, each awarded 93+ points and celebrated for their quality, arranged by grape variety and score.
Australia’s Top Whites to try
Fiano
Beresford Estate, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2023
Value Gold, 95 points
Delight in dashing honeydew, peach, and pear aromas with vibrant undertones of tart citrus and a brisk, briny freshness. This wine intrigues with its crisp acidity and a long maritime finish. Alcohol 12.9%
Marsanne
Tahbilk, Museum Release, Nagambie Lakes (Goulburn), Victoria 2017
Gold, 95 points
A symphony of waxy lemon, candied orange, and greengage enveloped in toasted brioche and cashew nut. Its creamy honey texture and gorgeous mineral finish captivate the palate. Alc 12%
Riesling
Gatt Wines, High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia 2018
Gold, 95 points
Exhilarating lime, peach, and melon flavours are elevated by subtle kerosene and toast notes. Textured and oily with vibrant acidity and a bitter quinine twist on the finish. Alc 12.5%
King of Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia 2023
Gold, 95 points
A flourish of unbridled lemon and lime citrus with dried stone fruit on a silky palate bristling with fine acidity. Long and cooling. Alc 12%
Pewsey Vale, Estate, Eden Valley, South Australia 2023
Gold, 95 points
A breathtakingly pure and energetic wine, driven by focused lime fruit and a sherbet-zest acidity. Concentrated, juicy, and exceptionally long. Alc 11.5%
Skillogalee, Trevarrick, Clare Valley, South Australia 2022
Gold, 95 points
Alluring baked brioche and honeyed toast with bright tangerines and lemons. Chalky and mineral with a fine salty finish. Alc 12.5%
Dandelion Vineyards, Enchanted Garden, Eden Valley, South Australia 2023
Silver, 94 points
Restrained elegance on the nose with fine chalky minerality and lifted zippy acidity on the palate. Alc 11.5%
Orlando, Steingarten Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia 2020
Silver, 94 points
Mineral and slate notes on the nose, paired with lemon, spice, grapefruit, and vibrant acidity. Alc 11.5%
Peter Lehmann, Wigan, Eden Valley, South Australia 2019
Silver, 94 points
Aromatic lime and grapefruit on the nose with herbaceous grass, green apple, and stony flint on the palate. Alc 11%
Henschke, Peggy’s Hill, Eden Valley, South Australia 2023
Silver, 93 points
A delicate nose of dried wildflower, chalk, and shellfish leads to a palate graced with lime and lemon zest. Alc 12%
Sauvignon Blanc
Marri Wood Park, Margaret River, Western Australia 2023
Gold, 95 points
Green grass and orchard fruits shine alongside a touch of jalapeño pepper, perfectly balanced by flinty toast and saline notes. Alc 13.5%
Savagnin
Soumah, Solero No. 3 Wild, Yarra Valley, Victoria NV
Silver, 93 points
A salty nose with lemon, nut, and spice aromas. The palate reveals pear, melon, subtle oak, and steely acidity. Alc 13.5%
Semillon
McGuigan, Bin 9000, Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2014
Best in Show, 97 points
This classic Hunter Valley Semillon captivates with green-silver hues, pungent petrichor and bean-flour aromas, and lime-laden acidity. A super-early harvest and long bottle aging create a quenching, palate-cleansing wine that pairs wonderfully with summer dishes. Perfect for aging. Alc 11%
Brokenwood Wines, ILR Reserve, Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2018
Gold, 95 points
Meticulous orchard fruit, lime, and buttered toast are wrapped in lanolin viscosity, with fresh, tingly acidity and a salivating finish. Benchmark quality. Alc 11%
Viognier
Soumah, Equilibrio, Yarra Valley, Victoria 2023
Silver, 94 points
Beautifully perfumed with apricot, peach, and spice. Lush nectarine, yellow peach, and bright lemon dominate the palate. Alc 14.3%
Yalumba, The Virgilius, Eden Valley, South Australia 2022
Silver, 93 points
Lime blossom, green melon, and candied grapefruit on the nose, with touches of spice and honey on the palate. Alc 13.5%
Whether you’re a lover of Riesling, Semillon, or the more exotic Fiano and Savagnin, these exceptional Australian whites prove there’s a world of flavour to explore beyond Chardonnay.
