Vintage Journal has revealed the four Barossa Valley wines that were awarded perfect scores in its South Australian Wine Guide 2026.

The digital resource is dedicated to the state’s diverse wine regions and top rated wines. Launched to shine a light on South Australia’s finest producers, the guide uses a 100-point scoring system to rank the best of the best. Of the 1300+ wines reviewed, four wines stood above the rest to achieve perfect scores.

• Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 2021 was praised as being a ‘landmark’ vintage for the wine with ‘wonderful definition, vinosity and torque’ and cellaring potential until 2048.
• Hentley Farm Clos Otto Shiraz 2022 was noted by judges as ‘a great Barossa Shiraz of exceptional definition, density and resonance. Brilliant.’
• Seppeltsfield 100-Year-Old Para Vintage Tawny 1925 was described by the critics as ‘a wonderful expression of Australian wine history and ambition. A living curio to share.’
• Torbreck Vintners RunRig Shiraz Viognier 2022 was celebrated for its notes of espresso, mocha, and dark plum, followed by a gravelly finish.

In total, 62 wines received exceptional scores of 97 points and above. Iconic Barossa Valley winery Henschke was the producer listed the most times in the top 62 wines, with four of its wines included, and scores ranging from 97 to 100.

The guide features reviews from 10 contributing critics from around Australia, ranging from Masters of Wine to leading sommeliers, including Andrew Caillard MW, Tony Love, Ken Gargett, Jeni Port, Angus Hughson, and rising stars like Shanteh Wale, Cyndal Petty and Lisa Cardelli.

Publisher and Author Angus Hughson said: “When I first entered the wine trade, over 20 years ago, South Australia was widely described as ‘The Wine State’. While there has been a movement across all states and regions, increasingly the wines from South Australia have been forgotten or undervalued. 

“South Australia is by far the largest state in terms of vineyard area and wine production with a long and proud history. The South Australian Wine Guide has been launched to rebalance the ledger and proudly put every South Australian region on a pedestal.”

Australian Wine Journalist and contributor to the guide Tony Love said: “This year’s South Australian Wine Guide clearly shows there is a thriving culture of provenance and increasing awareness of what each site and style of wine can achieve in the right hands. Every vintage brings more wines of higher quality than the last, wines which reflect their regional roots and what the seasons have presented. 

“There’s undeniable attraction in every glass in this selection, and an exciting trend towards contemporary drinkability across every varietal class. 

“South Australia’s winemakers continue to show they have the diversity of region, variety and style to be at the forefront of a vibrant and evolving consumer desire for excellence and value across all sectors of the wine market.”

The 294-page South Australian Wine Guide is now available to read on the Winepilot and Vintage Journal websites at www.vintagejournal.co