The varietal diversity on this list of the best reds under $50, selected by the Halliday Tasting Team for the 2026 Halliday Top 100, is testament to the quality of Australian wine more broadly.
Alongside a handful of alternative or undervalued grapes or styles, such as nero d’Avola and mencía, you’ll find pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, even old vine McLaren Vale grenache. There’s a 96-point sangiovese from Beechworth, a 96-point Bordeaux blend from the Yarra Valley, a 96-point Hunter shiraz – and much more to explore.
Bannockburn Vineyards Shiraz 2023, Geelong
Made with approximately 10% whole bunch, including a portion of carbonic maceration, and matured in French hogsheads and puncheons (10% new). A medium, bright crimson ruby. More savoury, in a good way, than the '22. Aromas of dark cherry, hung meat, a little freshly churned earth and potpourri precede the palate, which is elegantly wrought, balanced and very persistent. A delicious and very well put together wine to drink now and over the next five to seven years, if not longer. – Philip Rich
95 points | $45 | Screw cap | 13% alc. | Bannockburn Vineyards profile | Winery website | @
Bondar Wines Junto GMS 2025, McLaren Vale
72/13/8/7% grenache (Rayner site and the Trott Vineyard)/mataro (Willunga)/shiraz (Rayner)/counoise (Rayner). There’s some bunch in the grenache, and the wine was raised in 1700–2700L vats. The medium-weighted, accessible, everyday-drinking red from Bondar, a wine made to fit the climate and culture of the region. And this nails it, again. Red fruits, pomegranate, cranberry, tart raspberry, rose petals, a background of dried herbs and spice. But it’s no disposable vin de soif, so informed it is by fine tannic detail, crunchy acidity and lingering flavour resonance. Such a beautiful thing. – Marcus Ellis
95 points | $32 | Screw cap | 14% alc. | Bondar Wines profile | Winery website | @
ChaLou Wines Syrah 2023, Orange
Single-site estate vineyard. 50% whole bunch with the rest using whole berry and wild ferment. A savoury expression of Orange syrah with olive tapenade, rhubarb and sticky figs. A wealth of spice in harissa, paprika and beef bones. Fruit quality and its ripe red berries shine on the palate. Some toffee apple and a luxurious, velvety tannin structure. This is looking very fresh indeed. This wine is one to watch; it moves with the seasonal shifts and this vintage is a head turner. – Shanteh Wale
95 points | $42 | Screw cap | 13% alc. | ChaLou Wines profile | Winery website | @
Commune of Buttons Estate Pinot Noir 2025, Adelaide Hills
100% destemmed, with nine months in new and old barrique. A silky, slinky little number with vibrancy knit within. Speaks well of its place, quintessentially Adelaide Hills, in black cherry clafoutis and raspberry powder, laced with Campari. It's elegant, the acids, fruit and tannins aligned. The finish is gently sweet fruited, with notes of plum, cedar and pine, a smattering of Middle Eastern spice, sumac and cardamom through the finish. Very good. – Katrina Butler
