With the release of this year’s Halliday Wine Companion, a new class of 99-point wines emerged. Taking a look back on the number of 99ers from previous years, it seems that the quality of Australian wine is on the rise.
As is fitting, the 2019 Wine of the Year receives 99 points. In a surprise announcement however, and a marked shift from previous years’ award, the winning wine is riesling: 2017 Duke’s Vineyard Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling. The win is remarkable on two fronts: for being the first white wine to ever win Wine of the Year; and for being the first white wine to be awarded a coveted 99 points. No other white varietal received 99 points in the 2019 Halliday Wine Companion.
The group of 99ers is filled out with red varietals: pinot noir (2), shiraz (4), cabernet sauvignon (2), cabernet and family (2), and fortified (1). Much like other years, the only wine to receive a perfect 100 points is Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para Liqueur.
Below is the round up of 99-point wines.
Sign up to view these tasting notes and ratings
By becoming a member of Wine Companion, you'll have access to the largest database of wines in Australia.
Explore the best of the varietals to discover other wines that scored highly in the 2019 Halliday Wine Companion.
Banner image: Fiona Hamilton
Other related articles
-
2019
Wine of the Year: Duke’s Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling
-
2019
Winery of the Year: Seville Estate
-
2019
Winemaker of the Year: Julian Langworthy
26 Jul 2018 -
2019
Best New Winery of the Year: Mewstone Wines
-
2019
Best Value Winery of the Year: Provenance Wines
-
2019
Dark Horse of the Year: Principia Wines
26 Jul 2018 -
2019
The rise and rise of Australian wine
26 Jul 2018 -
Wine Lists
The 99ers
