We’ve long asked the question, ‘How do we categorise the outliers?’ Of the many wines that pass over the desks of the Halliday Tasting Team, there are quite a few that don’t find a place in a category that defines them well. Enter, Wildcard.
Wildcard is our effort to best advocate for the lesser known; whether it be variety, technique, style or region, there is room for these wines here.
"The lineup sparked the liveliest conversation at judging, and it was decided that a Red and White Wildcard must be selected, given the breadth of quality. This is the second win for Geelong’s Lethbridge in this category. Philip Rich calls the pinot gris/grecco skin-contact white ‘incredibly vibrant and fascinating’. Ballandean Estate’s Saperavi, from the Granite Belt, takes the prize for Wildcard Red, an outstanding win for a region wild at heart." – Katrina Butler
2027 Wildcard Red of the Year
Ballandean Estate Wines Saperavi 2023, Granite Belt
95 points | Price when tasted $55
As per the variety, this is a thick-set, muscular red – all ripe fruit, lush spice, woody intonations, chocolate, coffee and cream. And done superbly. It nails the brief, finds immense balance, even a little peppery, spicy freshness, and stains the palate with persistent, dark fruit character. The berries for this wine must have been so inky on the vine. A black hole of immense satisfaction here. Kudos. – Mike Bennie
2027 Wildcard White of the Year
Lethbridge Wines Radikal 2020, Victoria
96 points | Price when tasted $100
50/50% pinot gris/grecco from Henty and Heathcote respectively. A very bright amber. Skinsy, with aromas of dried apricot, candied ginger and a medicinal herbal edge. It's textural and dry, with balanced, grippy tannins. No idea how this will change with age, but I can see this wine pairing well with savoury dishes and semi-hard cheeses. An incredibly vibrant and fascinating skin-contact white. – Philip Rich
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The best wildcard wines from the 2027 Companion
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Lethbridge Wines
Radikal 2020
Victoria -
Pfeiffer Wines
Seriously Nutty Medium Dry Apera Non Vintage
Fortified | Rutherglen -
LVDO
Dry Rosé Wine 2024
McLaren Vale -
Ballandean Estate Wines
Saperavi 2023
Granite Belt -
Praeter.
Magpie Block Spring White 2025
Southern Fleurieu -
Wangolina
A Series Mencía 2023
Limestone Coast Zone -
Gundog Estate
Indomitus Albus Semillon 2025
Hunter Valley
Order your copy of the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion today
The 2027 Halliday Wine Companion is available now. Secure your copy of Australia's most comprehensive wine guide directly from us, or sign up to receive one as part of your Vintage Halliday membership.
This is an edited extract from the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Katrina Butler, Marcus Ellis, Mike Bennie, Philip Rich, Shanteh Wale and Toni Paterson MW. Cover art by Chantel De Latour.
