As we note in the introduction to this edition, classics are classics for a reason. There’s more to the list of wines here than blends of cabernet and shiraz but this classic combination is the backbone here. Bleasdale has been on an amazing run of good form in recent years and, again here, it’s ripped out another beauty.
2024 Cabernet Shiraz Blends of the Year
Bleasdale Vineyards Wellington Road Shiraz Cabernet 2021, Langhorne Creek
98 points (PD*) | Price when tasted $32

A blend of 52/48 per cent shiraz (destemmed) and cabernet sauvignon (crushed); eight to 12 days on skins and 12 months in French puncheons (25 per cent new). Winemaker Paul Hotker made full use of a brilliant growing season and harvest, with a juicy and sleek palate redolent with red and black fruits that caress every time you return to the supple mouthfeel and lingering finish. – James Halliday
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                            More top-rated cabernet shiraz blends from the 2024 Companion
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                                    Bleasdale VineyardsWellington Road Shiraz Cabernet 2021Langhorne Creek
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                                    YalumbaThe Caley Cabernet Shiraz 2018Coonawarra Barossa Valley
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                                    Lake Breeze WinesThe Drake Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2018Langhorne Creek
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                                    Bremerton WinesB.O.V. 2019Langhorne Creek
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                                    HardysThe Eight (VIII) Cabernet Shiraz 2016Frankland River McLaren Vale Coonawarra
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                                    Howard ParkASW Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2020Margaret River
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                                    Maverick WinesThe Maverick Barossa Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020Barossa
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                                    Penley EstateEos Cabernet Shiraz 2020Coonawarra
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                                    Penley EstateEos Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2021Coonawarra
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                                    St HugoBlack Shiraz Cabernet 2018Barossa Coonawarra
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                                    TaltarniThe Patron Cabernet Shiraz 2017Pyrenees
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                                    Terre à TerreCrayères Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2020Wrattonbully
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                                    YalumbaThe Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2019Barossa
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                                    Glaetzer WinesAnaperenna 2021Barossa Valley
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                                    HenschkeApple Tree Bench 2019Barossa Valley
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                                    Hickinbotham Clarendon VineyardThe Peake Cabernet Shiraz 2021McLaren Vale
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                                    MajellaThe Malleea 2018Coonawarra
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                                    PenfoldsBin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2020South Australia
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                                    Pepper Tree WinesMuseum Release Single Vineyard Strandlines Reserve Cabernet Shiraz 2013Wrattonbully
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                                    Ponting366 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2019McLaren Vale Coonawarra
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                                    RedmanThe Redman 2019Coonawarra
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                                    Sweetwater WinesShiraz Cabernet 2021Hunter Valley
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                                    TapanappaWhalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2019Wrattonbully
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                                    Thomas St VincentBlewitt Springs Septentrionale Rouge 2020Fleurieu
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                                    YalumbaFDR1A Cabernet Shiraz 2018Barossa
The 2024 Halliday Wine Companion is available now. Secure your copy of Australia's most comprehensive wine guide here – and at all good bookstores.
Learn more about cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.
This is an edited extract from the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by James Halliday, Campbell Mattinson, Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Mike Bennie, Ned Goodwin MW, Philip Rich and Shanteh Wale. Cover art by Ka Mo.
*Panel decision – score awarded by the Halliday Tasting Team at the annual Awards judging.