Top 100 Wines 2024: Taster's pick

We've revealed the Halliday Top 100 Wines 2024 as selected by the Tasting Team. The 100 wines are split into six categories: Australian sparkling, white wines under $40, white wines over $40, red wines under $50, red wines over $50 and, for the first time, the taster's pick.

The Halliday taster's pick is awarded to a wine by a member of the Halliday Tasting Team. These wines are the personal highlight of all the wines the tasters have reviewed across the last 12 months. The taster's pick is a mark of excellence and only one nomination per Halliday Tasting Team member is permitted.

Below, the Tasting Team tell us the stories behind their highlight wine.

Toni Paterson MW

Skilfully traversing tradition and modernity, today’s Hunter Valley winemakers craft wines that respect tradition, while appealing to the sophisticated palate where vibrancy and freshness are key, and fruit is at the fore. One of the leading players in the region is Silkman Wines, a micro-brand that combines fruit from the region’s best vineyards with expert winemaking to create a mesmerising range of wines. They have set a new narrative for the valley and are part of a broader wave of winemakers who are redefining the style of Hunter Valley wine.

Across the range, the Silkman wines are stunning, from the complex, ageworthy chardonnays and classic semillons to the medium weight shiraz. Among its standout labels is the 2022 Silkman Wines Reserve Shiraz Pinot Noir ($60). It is a fragrant, expertly made, medium-weight red that slips into any setting with ease. Supple, fragrant, long, and flavoursome, it's a contemporary interpretation of this historical Hunter blend – crafted by the winemaking duo Shaun and Liz Silkman. Liz was named the 2025 Halliday Winemaker of the Year.