Top Rated: Riesling

On sheer numbers, riesling again ranks behind only shiraz, chardonnay and cabernet as the strongest category in the country – proof again that we all ought to be drinking more of this sublime variety. The dominance of Great Southern and the Clare and Eden valleys in Australia’s top riesling stakes is complete, together putting forward more than five in every six wines in our short list. Adelaide Hills, Great Western, Henty and Tasmania share the balance. With just two inclusions in our top 40 (both from Pooley), Tasmania was the surprise dark horse that swept in from the sidelines with a convincing win for Riesling of the Year!