For over thirty years James Halliday AM has been Australia's most respected wine critic, and his Halliday Wine Companion is recognised as the industry benchmark for Australian wine. The annual bible for lovers of Australian wine, detailing the best wineries and vintages of the key regions, as well as a series of awards. With over 8000 wines tasted for this year's edition we have scoured through to hunt down the best of best to bring you four of the major award winners. Note: Hard copy of the book is not included.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        Yangarra Old Vine McLaren Vale Grenache 2021
3 bottles        Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec 2020
3 bottles        Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
3 bottles        Bleasdale Frank Potts Cabernet Blend 2021

Yangarra Old Vine McLaren Vale Grenache 2021
Wine of Year - James Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2024
Grenache and Blend Wine of the Year - James Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2024
Ex 1946 Blewitt Springs bush vines planted in a deep sandy dune that Yangarra call The Beach; dry-grown, bunch-sorted, wild yeast, open fermented and basket pressed. Bright clear though deep crimson hue; scented/perfumed, and I'm gone for all money without even tasting it. And I haven't fooled myself. Except why on earth is it only $45? Its red fruit sundae glistens with dew drops on a spider's web, yet also has a savoury echo towards the finish. Date: Sept 2022; Price: $45.00; Alcohol: 14.5%; Drink by: 2041; Rating: 99 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec 2020
Cabernet and Family Wine of the Year - James Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2024
Score awarded by the Halliday tasting panel at the annual Awards judging. Mike Bennie writes: From the plainly named Justin vineyard. A mellow, medium- to fuller-weight expression rippling with choc-raspberry, forest berry coulis, clove, dark chocolate, mint and eucalyptus. All nicely played, balanced and even. A potent flow on the palate, so inky and rich, and a chewy corset of silty, crushed rock tannins. It's a bold strike of cab malbec but finds judicious balance and a sense of vibrancy. It speaks fluently of quality fruit and the finesse of winemaking. Date: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $78.00; Drink by: 2040; Rating: 98 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
Pinot Noir of the Year - James Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2024
Named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard, which was planted at Gladysdale in 1997. Seven clones comprising 114, 115, MV6, D2V5, D5V15, Pommard and Abel. Whole bunches (15%) and 20–25% new French barriques. Like a Mahler symphony, all of the elements of this wine are in perfect harmony. Aromas of crushed rose petals, red and black cherries, satsuma plums and subtle hints of sandalwood and fennel fronds. There's a little charcuterie and a discreet touch of wet stone. On the palate, this is the most concentrated, structured and saline Applejack I can remember, yet you barely notice the tannins due to the core of pure raspberry and cherry fruit. There's a gentle sappiness on the long, lingering finish. Simply irresistible.
Date: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $90.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 98 Points & Special Value Star; Philip Rich; James Halliday Wine Companion

Bleasdale Frank Potts Cabernet Blend 2021
Bleasdale Vineyards - Winery of the Year 2014
This is a blend of 68/17/8/6/1% cabernet sauvignon/malbec/petit verdot/merlot. Bright crimson-purple hue heralds a very complex wine that has no need of time thanks to its balance, texture and length. It is an outstanding achievement and offers equally exceptional value for money. Top gold at Royal Adelaide Wine Show, gold at Perth Royal Wine Show Awards. Date: Nov 2022; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $35.00; Drink by: 2041; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion