2023 Varietal Winners

Top Rated: Rosé

By The Tasting Team

Testimony to rosé’s coming of age in Australia, our 22 standouts this year represent an incredible 19 different varieties and blends spanning 11 wine regions. It’s this diversity that makes this category so refreshing and exhilarating. This was the theme of our judging, too, with five wines from five different regions and five different blends each awarded first place votes by one or more judges. Our winner confidently stepped forward with three first place votes. 

2023 Best Rosé of the Year in Australia

Spinifex Luxe 2021, Barossa

93 points | Price when tasted $35

Spinifex Luxe 2021, Barossa

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It's been a minute between Luxe releases. Winemaker Pete Schell is a fan of Bandol rosés and the Luxe is a tip of the hat to the rosé styles of the Mediterranean. This year, a blend of 68/26/6% mataro/cinsault/vermentino. Red cherry, watermelon and pomegranate with hints of soft spice, crushed rock, blood orange and wild herbs. Slinky and textural with crisp acidity and a wicked stony, savoury finish. – Dave Brookes

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Learn more about rosé in our essential guide.

*This is an edited extract from the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Ned Goodwin MW, James Halliday, Erin Larkin, Jeni Port, Philip Rich and chief editor Tyson Stelzer.

Top image credit: Wine Australia.