The depth and breadth of the top end of other white varieties in Australia is exemplified in a final role call of no fewer than 12 different varieties and blends hailing from eight regions. Our final judging exemplified this diversity, with a Hunter albariño, Yarra marsanne, Mornington savagnin and Tasmanian gris rising to the top. Indicative of the importance in this category of building texture and complexity in the winery, our winner enjoyed wild fermentation, skin contact, partial barrel fermentation and lees age.
2023 Other Whites and Blends of the Year
Briar Ridge Vineyard Albariño 2021, Hunter Valley
95 points | Price when tasted $30
The second release of this wine sees more depth and texture, reflecting an evolution of making after winemaker Adam Wadewitz got the measure of grape and site – on Maslin sands over ironstone. There’s chew and race in equal measure, with tart golden apples, ripe Meyer lemon, cool stone fruit, sea spray and savoury elements of crushed fennel seed, white pepper and a waxy chalkiness. Integrated barrel/mlf notes round out flavour and feel, with an intriguing saline slip to the palate complementing the subtle grip and the pleasing rip of natural acid. It’s a superb wine, thrillingly refined and detailed. The upward trajectory of this project is one to watch very closely. – Marcus Ellis
-
Top-rated other whites & blends from the 2025 Companion
-
Mount Mary
Triolet 2022
Yarra Valley -
Crittenden
Cri de Coeur Sous Voile Savagnin 2019
Mornington Peninsula -
Longview Vineyard
Macclesfield Grüner Veltliner 2023
Adelaide Hills -
MMAD Vineyard
Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc 2022
McLaren Vale -
Yangarra Estate Vineyard
Roux Beaute Roussanne 2022
McLaren Vale -
Yeringberg
Marsanne Roussanne 2023
Yarra Valley -
Audrey Wilkinson
Winemaker's Selection Fiano 2023
Gundagai -
Bull Lane Wine Company
Marsanne 2022
Heathcote -
Castagna
Ingénue Viognier 2022
Beechworth -
Coriole
Rubato Reserve Fiano 2023
McLaren Vale -
Eldorado Road
Dreamfields Fiano 2023
Alpine Valleys -
Iggy
Deda Roussanne Marsanne 2021
Barossa Valley -
Silkman Wines
Grüner Veltliner 2023
Hunter Valley -
Tyrrell’s Wines
Vat 63 Winemaker's Selection Chardonnay Semillon 2023
Hunter Valley -
Vinden Wines
Idioteque Fiano 2022
Hunter Valley -
Yangarra Estate Vineyard
Ovitelli Blanc 2022
McLaren Vale -
Yarra Yering
Dry White Wine No. 1 2022
Yarra Valley -
Yeringberg
Viognier 2022
Yarra Valley
The 2023 Halliday Wine Companion is available now. Secure your copy of Australia's most comprehensive wine guide here – and at all good bookstores.
*This is an edited extract from the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Ned Goodwin MW, James Halliday, Erin Larkin, Jeni Port, Philip Rich and chief editor Tyson Stelzer.
Top image credit: Wine Australia.
