Wines of the Year 2025: Australia, New Zealand & South Africa

With 14 years on lees, now sitting at 18 years of age and tasted from magnum; this is the whole package. Ed Carr is unquestionably one of the global greats when it comes to sparkling winemaking. Words almost don’t do it justice to this wine; so it’s better to be brief. Full of character and intrigue; layers of flavour unfurl as it opens in the glass. Tertiary notes are belied by fresh energy and bright Tasmanian acidity, with parcels from across the island’s wine regions. Exceptional length, captivating mouthfeel and texture; a wine that dances to its own beat. Crushed cashew and plenty of nuttiness, low dosage keeps this poised and taut with a fullness – yet not richness – on the palate. This teases with tension and an exceptionally long line. The whole package.

Plenty of flint, lemon pith and sea spray, with white blossom and delicate perfume. The palate shows volume, clarity and power that's streamlined, not forceful. Length goes on and on with fine, detailed character. Lively energy with firm tannins and lacy yet powerful acidity. Exhilarating wine with remarkable persistence and intensity. Exceptional concentration and drive. Single vineyard from Wallcliffe, matured in 35% new French puncheons for 10 months with no malo or lees stirring.

Hard to find but well worth the hunt. A subtle wine, with dried lemon, tangerine, lime flowers and delicate bran biscuit notes, plus a distinctive mineral tang. It changes a lot in the glass; there are many layers to explore, with a sense of volume and flow anchored around a tight core of fine fruit. Very saline, with lively energy and vitality; deceptively long.

Established in 1995, Whalehaven was an early name in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, taking its moniker from the avidly watched sea creatures that frequent nearby Walker Bay. Since 2020, the winery has pursued a more contemporary style, with Richard Kershaw MW consulting on the winemaking from the 2023 vintage. The Reserve series is the top expression from the estate, being a selection of the finest barrels in the cellar, which in 2023 came from the same vineyards as the Sandstone Strata Chardonnay. Jason Millar: Toasty oak, but smartly integrated. Intense, spicy palate with great concentration. Yellow apples, mirabelle plums and lemon pith. A distinctly southern hemisphere style. Andy Howard MW: Intriguing, smoky nose and lots to enjoy on the palate. Savoury notes, allied with crisp acidity and very good length. Fine balance of freshness, acidity and ripe stone fruit. Roger Jones: Great purity and focus. Luscious, delicate. Reminds me of Meursault. Nutty, classy. Gun flint, then lime for a fresh finish.