Australia's best wines

The best other reds and blends in Australia

By Halliday Wine Companion

The Tyrrell’s Wines Vat 8 Winemaker’s Selection Shiraz Cabernet 2023 has been named the best other red and blends in Australia.

The Halliday Wine Companion Awards celebrate the best wines in Australia – as chosen by the Halliday Tasting Team. Below, you'll find Australia's best red wines that don't fall into our main varietal categories, along with their scores. Members can also click through to find each wine's detailed review.

This category – known as other reds and blends – now is now comprised of grenache blends, shiraz cabernet blends and less common red varieties (by Australian standards).

"And for 2026, a modern take (with a long legacy) on the Great Australian Red took out the top gong. The winner of this year's Other Reds and Blends of the Year goes to Tyrrell’s Wines Vat 8 – a multiregional blend of Hunter Valley shiraz and McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon." – Katrina Butler

2026 Other Reds and Blends of the Year

Tyrrell’s Wines Vat 8 Winemaker’s Selection Shiraz Cabernet 2023, Hunter Valley

98 points | Price when tasted $110


The best wines in Australia

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A classic Australian blend with a multi-regional twist: 65/35% Hunter Valley shiraz/McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon. The wine is powerful and assertive, with a glorious, bright, deep colour. Bursting with ripe mulberries, chocolate, fragrant anise, and spice, displaying a good mix of richness and freshness. Supporting the fleshy palate is a defined frame of plentiful, papery tannins, setting the wine up for a long future. – Toni Paterson MW

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The 2026 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 2026 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 James Coe.

This score was a decision – awarded by the Halliday Tasting Team at the annual Awards judging.


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