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.
This was the category that sparked the liveliest conversation at judging and, though all are worthy of taking home the inaugural award, a special mention is reserved for Anim Wine, whose Negra Bianco quite nearly tied with the winner. Of the winning wine – the Yellow NV from Lethbridge Wines – Philip Rich says that this is the winemaker’s homage to Vin Jaune from the Jura, and it's a delicious one at that. Dry, textured, gently oxidative and nutty, finishing saline and long.’
For those looking to try something a little left of centre, pay great attention to this short list of wildcard wines.
2026 Wildcard of the Year
Lethbridge Wines Yellow NV, Geelong
96 points | Price when tasted $70
From a tiny, 0.1ha savagnin vineyard in Waurn Ponds which was originally thought to be albariño. Mainly from '13 and kept under flor for seven years. A very bright gold with green tinges. Ray's homage to Vin Jaune from the Jura and a delicious one at that. Dry, textured, gently oxidative and nutty, finishing saline and long. Love the label, natural beeswax seal and rustic Calvados bottle, too! 500ml. – Philip Rich
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The best wildcard wines from the 2026 Companion
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Anderson & Marsh
Parell Tempranillo 2023
Alpine Valleys -
Brokenwood
Vegas Block Shiraz 2023
Hunter Valley -
Balancing Heart
Phototropism & Ephemeral Pecorino 2024
Riverland -
Lowe Family Wine Co
BIO-Logical Ansonica 2024
Murray Darling -
Anim Wine
Negra Bianco 2023
Tasmania -
Inkwell
Yellow Grillo 2024
McLaren Vale
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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.
