Tyson Stelzer’s Top 250 Australian Wines of 2024
Flametree, Teusner, Utopos, and Port Phillip Estate—have been recognised by renowned wine critic Tyson Stelzer in his prestigious Top 250 Australian Wines of 2024 list. These exceptional wines have been awarded for excellence in their respective categories, a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of the winemakers we proudly represent.
Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon
Flametree S.R.S. Karridale Sauvignon Blanc 2022 –
Margaret River
The cool tension of southern Margaret River sauvignon is beautifully polished by wild fermentation partially in French oak barrels. The result unites crunchy tension of citrus and blackcurrant bud with a wonderfully focused poise, vibrant energy and seamless persistence that strike a rare synergy between immediate allure and enduring potential.
Chardonnay
Flametree S.R.S. Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2022 –
Margaret River
I love the synergy here between concentration, tension and texture. This is a chardonnay that expresses the magnitude of clone, region and season, intricately set off with just the right level of classy French oak, the energy of malic acidity and the texture of wild fermentation. It holds impressive confidence and persistence, and will blossom with a few years in bottle.
Rosé
Port Phillip Estate Salasso Rosé 2022 –
Mornington Peninsula
The Salasso’s blend of shiraz and pinot noir works beautifully in the refreshingly cool 2022 vintage on the Mornington, with the pepper and spice of shiraz harmoniously supporting the red berry fruits of pinot noir. Tangy acidity and finely textured tannin grip bring structure and food-matching potential to the finish.
Grenache
Teusner Joshua Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2023 – 94 points
Barossa Valley
Joshua has become the benchmark of unoaked Barossa GMS, and I love the way the cool 2023 season lifts its fragrance, spice and tang. 37% mataro is a strong inclusion, and it holds it impeccably, presenting the fine, confident tannin structure to stand strong in the absence of oak. A core of elegant, cool season red and black berry fruits carry a long finish. All class.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Flametree S.R.S. Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 – 97 points
Margaret River
Benchmark Margaret River cabernet of presence and enduring framework. Brilliant definition of blackcurrant and cassis fruit, intricately framed in high class French oak (45% new for 16 months). The result is at once crunchy and bright, yet deep and powerful. Fine-grained high cocoa dark chocolate tannins are infused with tremendous potential.
Utopos Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – 95 points
Barossa Valley
Cabernet sauvignon rarely shows this level of varietal distinction or elegance on the Barossa floor. Refreshingly and unashamedly medium-bodied it’s framed in a brilliant lattice of vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannin that promise a very long life. I love the effect of the elegance of French oak in this season, and the expansive and refined air of a new foudre is masterfully played.
Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Utopos Cabernet Shiraz 2021 – 96 points
Barossa Valley
The brilliant varietal lift and structural confidence of cabernet comes to life in the cool seasons, and its marriage with the depth and mid-palate completeness of shiraz is impeccable here. It harks back to the classic blends of the Barossa, with an equally promising future before it. A dignified and enduring newcomer to the hallowed halls of the great Australian blend.
Shiraz
Teusner Righteous FG Shiraz 2021 – 96 points
Barossa Valley
Teusner Righteous is a benchmark of full-throttle Barossa shiraz at its finest in the coolest seasons, of which 2021 is an exemplar. This single vineyard in Seppeltsfield has risen to the occasion in a fanfare of glossy blackberry and liquorice depth, set to a backdrop of high cocoa dark chocolate. Lively acidity and strong yet wonderfully fine-grained tannins carry an enduring finish. Stunning.
Teusner Riebke Barossa Valley Shiraz 2021 – 92 points
Barossa Valley
Kym Teusner’s beloved Riebke has put on a strong performance in his 20th vintage. The spicy, black fruit depth of Ebenezer is well expressed here, refreshingly enlivened with the natural acidity and fine-grained tannins of the cool 2021 season. The result is one of the best in the Barossa under $30.
Tyson Stelzer is a multi-award-winning wine writer, television host and producer and international speaker. He was named The International Wine & Spirit Communicator of the Year, The Australian Wine Communicator of the Year and The International Champagne Writer of the Year. He is the author and publisher of seventeen wine books, contributor to many wine magazines, a frequent judge and chair at Australian wine shows and a presenter at wine events in 12 countries.