The Top Wines
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2022 Brokenwood ‘Sticky Wicket’ Semillon, Hunter Valley $35 RRP (375 mL)
This wine appeared in the top six wines of the day for Macleod, Luppatelli, De Bortoli, and Limacher. Macleod described “a burnished gold shines in the glass – radiating warmth before you’ve even lifted it to your nose. When you do, it shows a joyous burst of Australian botrytis-wine character – bombastic notes of fig and marmalade wrapped in layers of candied ginger, warm toffee, and a little medicinal flicker of fennel seed. On the palate, it detonates with ripe stone fruit and poached pears, the botrytis weaving a plush, honey-soaked dimension through the fruit notes. This wine feels like liquid sunshine – opulent, yet strikingly honest to the grapes’ natural purity.” Luppatelli noted “a deep amber colour that you only see in seriously rich dessert wines. On the nose, you’re greeted right away by fleshy poached apricot and ripe stone fruits. Breathe in again and you get these exotic, almost heady aromatics – a thread of saffron, a hint of turmeric – adding this savoury-sweet intrigue. The finish is long, deep, and warming, layering notes of stone fruit and sweet spices for minutes after you swallow.” De Bortoli found it “a wine where judiciously utilised botrytis builds layers of aroma and flavour complexity. Aromas of honey, candied clementine zest, toffee, and a hint of dried sultana burst out of the glass. It’s unctuous on the palate, but its sweetness is deftly balanced by its zesty, citrus-like acidity.”
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2023 Chalmers Wines Apppassimento, Heathcote $53 RRP (375 mL)
Polack, Zimmermann, De Bortoli, and Macleod all selected this wine among their top six from the blind tasting. Polack described “this deep gold wine is full of orange marmalade, burnt toffee, honey, and dried apricot notes, with hints of pineapple and peach lurking underneath. A true ‘sticky’ in the Australian sense – rich and luscious, but beautifully balanced by a clean acidity and a fresh finish.” Zimmermann noted “this sweet aromatic wine, with its distinct amber hue, evokes a sense of Christmas with its fragrance of honey, sweet spices, marmalade, and sticky pudding. The mid-palate offers a round and voluptuous texture, complemented by a delightful acidity that balances its intense and full-bodied style.” De Bortoli found “a lovely intensity of flavour, driven by zesty lime and lemon characters alongside mandarin peel and ripe yellow nectarine. It’s moderately sweet on the palate – less unctuous than many in the line-up, but generous in its texture, and balanced by a fresh and enlivening acid line.” Macleod described how it “bursts out of the glass with a surge of rich, opulent fruit aromas – sun-dried apricot, baked peaches, and candied citrus – all delivered with joyful vibrancy. This wine feels joyous and open-hearted.”
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2022 De Bortoli ‘Deen Vat 5’ Botrytis Semillon, Riverina $17 RRP (375 mL)
Freeman and Polack included this wine in their top six wines from the tasting. Freeman called it “a great and memorable wine brimming with a riot of flavours, led by honey and caramel spice. There’s ample acidity to balance the pervasive lusciousness that completely coats the palate with enduring sweetness, without being cloying. It begs to be paired with a classic pâté de foie gras to start a meal – then, some time later, a second glass with mango mousse, and finally a third with a creamy blue cheese.” Polack described “a classic botrytis wine! The nose shows a little age – indicated by some perfumed notes and a hint of dried apricots – but the palate is still incredibly youthful. Marmalade, dried apricots, and zesty agrume flavours are all intermingled together on the palate, and a clean, soft acidity on the finish holds onto all the flavours.”
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2025 Fraser Gallop ‘Innovation Range’ Ice-Pressed Chardonnay, Margaret River $40 RRP (375 mL)
This wine made the top six wines of the tasting for Zimmermann, Polack, and Macleod. Zimmermann noted that “this wine perfectly embodies the essence of Australian dessert wine, boasting a vibrant nose of fresh fruit reminiscent of honeydew melon and marmalade alongside hints of floral notes. On the palate, its well-balanced style showcases a mix of sour and ripe citrus fruits – highlighted by piercing lime zest and a lemon curd drive. There’s a clean and delicious richness to the mid-palate that leads down to a long, refreshing finish – the kind of wine that will leave you salivating and longing for more.” Polack described “the delicate yet rich nature of this wine, with its wonderfully clean finish. It’s not a traditional ‘sticky’ – it’s much lighter in style, showing beautiful lime and lemon juice characters alongside a complete spectrum of agrume notes of citrus zest, citrus flowers, and even a touch of pith. The acid holds onto the lemon and lemon rind characters for ages on the finish.” Macleod found “a pale, shimmering gold introduces a wine full of quiet intrigue. The nose is lifted and fresh, layered with citrus oil, honeycomb and delicate fresh ginger root notes. On the palate, it arrives with an unexpectedly opulent sweetness – it’s silky, flowing, and confidently plush. This is a wine that moves gracefully between freshness and indulgence.”
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2023 Pikes Wines ‘First Cut’ Riesling, Clare Valley $38 RRP (375 mL)
Macleod, Freeman, Luppatelli, and Robinson included this wine in their top six selections from the tasting. Macleod described “a pale, glistening gold that catches the light. The nose is pretty and delicate – a gentle cluster of lemon and lime zest floating above stewed stone fruit and soft, ripe fig notes. It glides in to the palate with sweetness, but that sweetness doesn’t overwhelm – a bright, crisp seam of acidity slices cleanly through the sugar. A dessert wine designed to charm rather than overwhelm – and one that kept me smiling through every sip.” Freeman found “a fresh, young, and unique style of dessert wine – its bright golden hue reflecting the pure honey and marmalade flavours. The vibrancy on display here creates a sweet wine that isn’t cloying, balanced by the bright framework of its acidity.” Luppatelli noted “a lively pale gold colour, suggesting freshness and vibrancy. You’re greeted by a burst of green orchard fruits – think crisp green apple and Williams pear – layered with pure, zesty citrus notes. There’s an interesting herbal lift here – notes of lemon verbena and lime balm add an almost-balsamic, garden-fresh edge.” Robinson called it “a wine of such grace – it swans into the scene with delicacy, but makes its presence felt. Fragrant honeysuckle, soft white blossoms, and fragrant vanilla bean take centre stage.”
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2023 Brothers at War Botrytis Riesling, Eden Valley $42 RRP (375 mL)
This wine appeared in the top six wines on the day for Limacher, Robinson, and Zimmermann. Limacher described “apricots on the barbecue – yum! An intense and slightly smoky nose, showing charred stone fruit and caramelised sugar characters. Fresh nectarine and lemon curd notes on the palate give this wine real zing and zippy freshness – keeping you coming back for more.” Robinson noted “rich and pure notes of ripe nectarines, maple syrup, and grilled rockmelon on the nose let us know this wine is going to be a showstopper. On first sip, it coats the mouth with sweet spice and orange rind notes, reminiscent of fruitcake. The beauty of this wine is in the clarity of its different layers – each note is recognisable, but together they form a melody.” Zimmermann found “a traditional dessert style – showing a sticky texture complemented by delightful aromas of honey, ginger, marmalade and orange peel, alongside some smoky oak notes. Despite its intense aromatic profile, it remains light and refreshing on the palate.”
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2021 Chambers Rosewood Botrytis Muscadelle, Rutherglen $16 RRP (375 mL)
De Bortoli and Limacher both selected this wine among their top six picks. De Bortoli described how “the deep golden colour and rich nose of this wine – showing aromas of caramel, honeycomb, apricot, and baked apple, lifted by some fresh hints of candied orange zest and brandied kumquats – indicates there has been some serious botrytis influence here. The palate is quite sweet, yet remarkably fresh, with a lively acid line balancing out the sugar content. A real standout in a very strong line-up of Australian dessert wines!” Limacher noted “with its golden-bronze hue, this wine delivers spice and savoury notes right out of the gate – fresh tobacco, honey, and grilled almonds, all lifted with fresh, apricot-driven intensity. The caramel richness here is mouth-coating, thick, and textural. This wine speaks to the diversity of Australian dessert wines.”
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2023 Bass River Winery Iced Sauvignon Blanc, Gippsland $40 RRP (375 mL)
Luppatelli, Limacher, and Robinson included this wine in their top six wines from the blind tasting. Luppatelli described “just a stunning pour in the glass, deep gold and inviting. On the nose, you get an immediate hit of ripe poached pear – soft, juicy, vibrant – layered with beautiful notes of white-flower honey. On the palate, it’s sweet, but not cloying – think good dessert wine with a lively backbone of acidity to keep the richness in check. It’s a wine that would absolutely sing with fruit-based desserts – imagine pairing it with a classic pear or apple tart.” Limacher found “boozy golden raisins, Middle Eastern spice, Turkish delight, and rose-petal perfume characters. A bright, mouth-coating palate, with floral lift and nectarine snap. It’s moreish and refreshing.” Robinson noted “in an exhilarating change of pace for the Australian dessert wine style, this wine displays notes of fresh passionfruit and green mango that delight the senses. Its lightness would make it perfect as an aperitif – and to revisit at the conclusion of the meal alongside some Shropshire blue cheese.”
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2014 Pizzini Wines ‘Per Gli Angeli’, King Valley $95 RRP (375 mL)
Zimmermann and Wahlhütter both selected this wine among their top six wines of the day. Zimmermann noted “this sweet wine is exceptionally intriguing and full of character – it’s certainly not your typical dessert wine! With its deep amber colour, its spicy oaky aromas – think walnut, cedar, smoke, nutmeg, and orange blossom – and its rich full-bodied style, it offers complexity and concentration, not to mention a long-lasting finish. This is a wine that may not suit every palate – but if you’re willing to tackle it, this wine remains a fascinating selection that will continue to impress – a delightful and conversation-worthy choice to close your next dinner party.” Wahlhütter described “one of the most interesting wines of the line-up – this one really stood out, simply because it was quite different from the rest. In terms of both appearance and aroma it immediately reminded me of an Oloroso Sherry – a deep brown in colour, and showing notes of dried fruit such raisins and dates, alongside nutty tones of cashews and walnuts. Despite its viscous texture, it feels paradoxically light, with the raisinated fruit flavours lifted by a very high acidity.”
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2024 Ringer Reef Late Harvest Gros Manseng, Alpine Valleys $30 RRP (375 mL)
This wine made the top six selections for both Wahlhütter and Zimmermann. Wahlhütter described “a fine confectioners’ sugar sweetness to it that slowly unfolds – showing notes of candied lemon peels, cotton candy, and cloudy pear juice. Despite this evident sweetness, it’s beautifully balanced by its acidity, which drives the wine down the palate to a long finish with faint flavours of honeycomb. It even has a lovely herbal freshness that adds to its complexity. With its exceptional balance and joyous flavour profile, this wine strikes me as a real crowd-pleaser!” Zimmermann noted “this delightful sweet wine boasts a golden hue and a pleasing palate – rich without being heavy. With notes of bergamot, citrus, cooked apple, and a hint of spiciness, it’s perfectly balanced by a zesty acidity that adds life and freshness. Enjoyable on its own – or paired with a savoury dishes such as pâté, rillettes, or gravlax.”
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2024 D’Arenberg ‘The Noble Botryotinia Fuckeliana’ Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay, McLaren Vale $36 RRP (375 mL)
De Bortoli and Robinson both chose this wine for their top six picks. De Bortoli noted “a nicely developed yellow hue in the glass. The aromas show a moderate amount of botrytis influence – chiefly orange marmalade tones, alongside some more exotic notes of rockmelon, quince, and Nashi pear. The palate shows remarkable balance between dense, viscous sweetness and a firm line of acidity, leading to a lengthy finish. A beautifully luscious example of Australian botrytised wine.” Robinson described it as “like walking through a ripe orchard at dusk, the perfume of this wine hangs heavily in the air – flooding your senses with tones of salted caramel, roasted nuts, and bright yellow cherries. Though it has some viscosity that wraps around the palate, the wine doesn’t sit heavy, buoyed by a tangy acidity that feels like biting into passionfruit pulp. This would be an absolute delight to drink with parfait – or even better with a rich chocolate dessert.”
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2024 L’Anima ‘Sobremesa’ Passvm Muscat Blanc, McLaren Vale $40 RRP (500 mL)
Robinson and Wahlhütter selected this wine among their top six wines of the tasting. Robinson asked “who needs to eat dessert when you could drink this wine instead? It starts with ripe custard apples – sweet and creamy, with a hint of vanilla – followed by a core of crème brûlée and Manuka honey. Hold it for a second longer on the palate and it reveals an underbelly of toffee, dried mango and candied ginger. This is an absolute delight to drink right now – but I’m also excited to see what this wine will look like in ten years’ time, too.” Wahlhütter noted “another wine that stood out from the rest of the line-up for how compellingly different it is. Smelling this wine for the first time is like putting your nose into a bunch of freshly-picked dill. Aside from its herbal tones, it also shows hints of dairy, sour cream, and even some salty seafood-like notes – contrasted by sweet candied apples, raisins, and roasted nuts. The interplay of savoury and sweet here make this wine a prime candidate for pairing with a savoury dish such as prawn toast.”
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2024 Soumah Late Harvest Viognier, Yarra Valley $38 RRP (500 mL)
Robinson and Freeman included this wine in their top six selections from the tasting. Robinson described “‘an explosion of yellow’ is probably the best way to describe this wine – it sings of candied lemon, fresh honeycomb, and caramel, to name a few. Maple-leaf tones weave around the wine like a wreath, adding an earthy, crunchy edge. There’s a beautiful mosaic of ripe citrus notes – some citron and lemon drop, and a dash of Makrut lime – that ties it all together. An excellent example of Australian dessert wine – one that’s well-rounded, well-made, and would be a fantastic accompaniment to a lemon posset.” Freeman noted “a wine that smacks of sunny climes – floral orange blossom and spicy Moroccan souk aromas lift the generous honey and oaky vanillin flavours on the palate to create a luscious wine with beautifully balanced acidity. Chill this sticky down – then torch the crème brûlée to discover the power of dual sweet sensations!”
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2023 Tim Adams Botrytis Riesling, Clare Valley $40 RRP (500 mL)
Limacher chose this wine for her top six wines on the day, noting “Melburnians love to stand in line for a top-notch pastry, patiently waiting as the aromas of frangipane, freshly toasted almonds, and crispy pastry float down the footpath. But why wait in a queue when you could be enjoying a glass of this? In addition to its evocative patisserie aromas, this wine is super-fruity – full of fresh peach and nectarine notes that bring a moreish tartness to proceedings, alongside some zesty citrus zest. Now that summer produce is finally upon us, I’m imagining enjoying this alongside cherry clafoutis after a Christmas barbecue lunch with mates.”
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2025 Hollick ‘The Nectar’ Botrytis Riesling, Coonawarra $35 RRP (375 mL)
This wine appeared in the top six picks for both Macleod and Polack. Macleod described “a luscious gold in the glass, shading toward amber – the kind of colour that alludes to intensity. The aroma unfolds slowly, like a warm syrup, with notes of burnt toffee, dried figs, and caramelised sugar. On the palate, the wine is unapologetically viscous – a thick, silken ribbon of flavour coats the tongue, and dried fruit, dark honey, fig paste and toffee notes reappear in concentrated form. This wine is rich, hedonistic and luxuriously slow-moving: the sort of wine that demands to be savoured with patience – not to mention a well-made dessert and some loved ones.” Polack noted “this wine is like a perfectly-poised tightrope walker wearing an amazing fancy dress. The aromas here are the fancy dress that draws you in to the spectacle – peaches, nectarines, and caramel, alongside perfumed floral and lightly herbal notes. The sugar content allows the wine to glide effortlessly along the tightrope, which is kept in place beautifully by the taut line of acidity.”
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2021 De Bortoli ‘Noble One’ Botrytis Semillon, Riverina $40/$80 RRP (375/750 mL)
Freeman selected this wine among his top six wines on the day, noting “a complex and layered wine, offering pure-fruited notes of Seville marmalade, apricot, and honey over a luscious sweet frame. Fine acidity balances its unctuous palate, and contributes to its impressive length. A versatile sticky begging to be shared alongside some chicken liver terrine – or maybe even spicy ginger crab.”
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2021 Lillypilly ‘Noble Blend’, Riverina $32 RRP (375 mL)
Wahlhütter selected this wine among her top six wines from the blind tasting, describing “a beautiful golden colour, viscous texture, and soft mouthfeel are the first things to stand out about this wine. The aromas on the nose remind me of apple pie – ripe red apples, bready and doughy notes, and layers of baking spices. On the palate, fruity tones of ripe apricot and peach dominate, while a subtle line of acidity helps to keep the wine refreshing. With its generous fruit flavours and warming spice notes, it feels like the perfect accompaniment to cozying up around a fireplace on a cool autumn night.”
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2016 Trentham Estate Reserve Noble Taminga, Murray Darling $18 RRP (375 mL)
Freeman chose this wine for his top six selections, noting “this wine showcases a developed beeswax flavour, alongside refreshing honey and spice notes and an extended oatmeal character carried along the palate by an elegant acid line. A wine calling for convivial conversation – the perfect closer to a long, relaxed lunch, to be sipped slowly with good friends. Speaking of friends – if you bring a bottle of this alongside a crayfish and mango salad to a dinner party, you’re bound to win a few new ones!”
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2025 Ros Ritchie Wines Cane Cut Gewürztraminer, Upper Goulburn $23 RRP (375 mL)
Polack selected this wine among her top six wines of the day, describing it as “just a delightful drink! It has a lovely purity of aroma and flavour – showing lemon and lime pulp, lime peel, and some light hints of exotic lychee and mango. On the palate, it has the silky freshness of a super well-made lemon-lime cordial, with a long delicate finish. It’s perhaps not the most complex wine in the line-up – but it’s absolutely well-made, and classic in its style.”
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2017 Iron Pot Bay Vineyard ‘Primis’ Dessert Wine, Tasmania $40 RRP (375 mL)
Polack and De Bortoli included this wine in their top six wines from the tasting. Polack noted “this wine stood for its differences to all the others. There’s a strong character of Leccino extra-virgin olive oil in the way this wine overlays herbal, cut grass tones on its lemongrass, Makrut lime, and lime-zest flavours. These are balanced by an underlying acidity that’s soft but definite. This would be a great match for a citrus-based dessert – think anything from a tartlet filled with lemon curd through to a zesty blood orange sorbet.” De Bortoli described “of the wines in my top six, this one was the most reminiscent of Sauternes – a pale yellow in the glass, with classic notes of honey, dried apricot, overripe peach and orange marmalade. It’s silky on the palate, with a bright line of acidity keeping it aloft – classically proportioned, fresh and elegant.”
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2025 Small Island Botrytis Riesling, Tasmania $36 RRP (375 mL)
This wine appeared in the top six picks for both Wahlhütter and Luppatelli. Wahlhütter described “this wine has some really beautiful, pure fruit flavours – fresh lime and lemon, as well as orchard fruits such as apple, pear and quince. It’s light and pale in the glass, with subtle sweetness, high acidity, and a streak of minerality that appears as wet stones and chalk on the finish. I would love to see how this wine fares alongside something spicy like a Thai green curry!” Luppatelli noted “a pale straw colour, bright and fresh. Right from the start, you get those classic orchard notes on the nose – crisp green apple, maybe a touch of ripe Bosc pear – alongside pretty floral aromas. The wine’s sweetness is perfectly balanced here, keeping it vibrant and incredibly easy to drink. The finish is clean and floral, leaving your mouth watering for more – think of this wine as the ultimate aperitif.”
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2019 Tahbilk Cane Cut Marsanne, Nagambie Lakes $21 RRP (500 mL)
Luppatelli chose this wine for his top six selections from the blind tasting, describing “a vibrant, deep golden hue in the glass – instantly appetising, and typical of a well-made Australian dessert wine. On the nose, you get this rush of yellow peach – ripe and juicy, almost like biting into a sun-warmed peach at the peak of the season. Close behind is something more intense and savoury-sweet – a note of chestnut-tree honey, which brings a sweetness that’s simultaneously rich, earthy, and floral. Take a sip, and everything’s in such beautiful harmony – the stone fruit character leads, followed by waves of honey and caramel, richly textured yet never heavy. It’s definitely sweet, but perfectly balanced by a lift of acidity that gives the wine freshness and length. This wine is all about harmony – nothing sharp or out of place.”
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2014 Dal Zotto Wines ‘Vin Pretto’, King Valley $92 RRP (375 mL)
Wahlhütter and Limacher both included this wine in their top six wines of the tasting. Wahlhütter described it as “amber in colour, with pronounced notes of honeycomb, beeswax, and candles on the nose. On the palate, this wine reminds me of Malteasers with its flavours of sweet, malty biscuits. It has an exceptionally soft and velvety texture, and balanced acidity. The honeycomb and beeswax notes linger long and coat the palate, leaving you wanting another sip. This wine’s refreshingly clean finish means that it could work brilliantly as a palate-cleanser after a long meal – with or without a cheese plate!” Limacher noted “this wine is intriguing and decadent – a treat reminiscent of Werther’s Originals, caramel, and hard-boiled orange candies. It’s richness is inviting, but its notes of juicy apricot keep it lively and fresh – and had me coming back for more. This wine would be magic alongside a crème caramel!”
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2024 Bethany Wines ‘First Village Series’ Late Harvest Riesling, Barossa Valley $28 RRP (500 mL)
Macleod chose this wine for her top six selections, describing “a shining, almost crystalline gold in the glass introduces a wine bursting with vitality. Honeysuckle and fresh pear notes drift up from the glass, joined by the soft perfume of orange blossom and jasmine, alongside a cool freshness. There’s an energy to the nose that distinguishes it immediately from the heavier styles of the line-up, making it feel fun, fresh, and flirty. The palate is a delight, with bright, zesty acidity racing alongside juicy pear and citrus blossom notes, as well as a pleasantly faint grip of phenolics. This tension on the palate gives the wine shape and poise, keeping its sweetness neatly in line. In short, bloody delicious – the kind of dessert wine that disappears alarmingly fast at the table.”
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2022 De Beaurepaire Wines ‘Coeur d’Or’ Botrytis Semillon, Central Ranges $50 RRP (375 mL)
Luppatelli selected this wine among his top six wines from the blind tasting, noting “a beautiful golden hue here, just a touch deeper than what you’d expect from a young dry white wine, that obliquely hints at richness. On the nose, it opens with a wave of ripe stone fruits – peach, apricot, maybe a bit of nectarine – all lively and pure, almost sun-drenched. The first sip is where it shines – this wine offers a delicious depth and opulence, but just as you think it might turn heavily sweet, in comes a rush of bright acidity for balance, ensuring the wine feels elegant, never ponderously sticky. Everything feels polished and in harmony – pure fruit, vibrant acidity, and a delicately sweet texture. It’s all you could hope for in an Aussie dessert wine – generous, but never over the top.”
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2023 Ricca Terra ‘Soldier’s Land’ Zibbibo Passito, Riverland $30 RRP (375 mL)
De Bortoli included this wine in his top six picks, describing it as “light, bright, and fresh – one that’s all about intense aromas of lemon and lime, given a little complexity by some slightly richer overtones of honey and chewy golden raisins. The palate is moderately sweet rather than richly luscious, and remains bright and fresh throughout. Its fresh and fruit-driven style would suit a simple fruit salad – a straightforward but well-made wine of easygoing joy, perfect for everyday consumption.”
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2021 Sam Miranda Wines ‘Verduzzo’ Botrytis Riesling, King Valley $45 RRP (375 mL)
Zimmermann chose this wine for her top six wines of the day, noting “the experience of this wine begins with its visually intriguing amber colour, swiftly followed by the sweet and sour tones that delight the palate. The refreshing acidity here adds a vibrant touch to this wine’s sweet, spicy, and rich style. It’s complex, yet highly appealing and generous, with an enduring oxidative finish full of rich, spicy notes of curry, hay, and smoke. The full-on intensity of this wine’s finish might put off some drinkers, but others will find it highly intriguing – and it rewards curious drinkers by consistently offering depth of flavour and impressive length.”
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2023 Millon Botrytis Riesling, Eden Valley $38 RRP (375 mL)
Freeman selected this wine among his top six selections from the tasting, describing “a wine that showcases beautiful floral and citrus flavours. Moderately luscious on the palate, where citrus and marmalade notes prevail, and balanced by a fine acid line that gives this wine a seductively extended finish. A wine where all components are well-modulated – this would make a terrific complement to an intensely zesty lemon tart or key lime pie.”
