The 99ers of 2019

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.

Explore the best of the varietals to discover other wines that scored highly in the 2019 Halliday Wine Companion.

Banner image: Fiona Hamilton