Dan Murphy’s has named the winners and best value wines of Decoded Wine Awards 2022, including a $10* Riesling and an $11 sparkling Rosé made by Australia’s acclaimed sparkling winemaker, Ed Carr.
The Decoded Awards are divided to varietal pricing categories with awards given in each for best wine and best value for money.
“Decoded Wine Awards is in its third year and they say the third time’s a charm and in our third year we’ve been charmed by the depth, the quality and the variety of the thousand-plus Australian and New Zealand wines we judged,” said Decoded Wine Awards Judge and Dan Murphy’s Head of Fine Wine Andrew Shedden.
An expert panel of 12 judges tasted through more than 1,200 wines from Australia and New Zealand – a record-breaking number of entries – under full show judging conditions. The panel has now crowned ten winners and another ten wines have been named for being exceptional value for money.
“We created these awards for wine lovers, not experts, and we’ve kept it simple by unpacking what makes these wines stand out and we have wines for all budgets,” Mr Shedden said.
The judging panel was comprised of wine experts and buyers, as well as Wine Merchants from Dan Murphy’s stores across the country. All entries were judged blind, ie: no information was provided to judges except the style of wine to minimise bias.
All prices listed are pricing for My Dan’s members, unless otherwise stated. Becoming a member of Dan Murphy’s loyalty program My Dan’s member is free.
The Decoded Wine Awards 2021 winners & best value
Category: Lighter White Wine Under $20
Best (Winner): Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc NZ $14 each. Verdict: Marlborough sauvignon blanc is back in a big way with this classic, refreshing, easy-drinking wine. Bring it to your backyard barbecue.
Best Value: Tolley Clare Valley Riesling $10 each. Verdict: A classic riesling that’s perfumed, floral AND amazing value.
Category Lighter White Wine Over $20
Best (Winner): Pikes Traditionale Riesling 2021 $20 each. Verdict: A well-priced wine that sets the benchmark. Floral, citrusy and energetic with mouth-watering acidity – enjoy this one by the beach with fresh oysters.
Best Value: Catalina Sounds Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $19 each (non-member pricing $22.99)
Verdict: Fresh, develops complexity in the glass.
Category: Fuller White Wine Under $20
Best (Winner): Credaro Five Tales Chardonnay $17 each. Verdict: This classic, Margaret River chardonnay offers great bang for your buck. A creamy, textured, punchy drop with enough flavour to enjoy on its own while cooking dinner.
Best Value: Franklin Tate Estates Chardonnay $11 each. Verdict: Margaret River chardonnay at its best – super perfumed, rich, creamy and loads of stone fruit characters. Big personality.
Category: Fuller White Wine Over $20
Best (Winner): Oakridge LVS Hazeldene Chardonnay $32 each. Verdict: A textbook modern Australian chardy from one of the top chardonnay producers in the country. With beautiful intensity and lemony acidity, this versatile wine is one to take to a Sunday lunch, especially if roast chicken is on the menu.
Best Value: Sidewood Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2020 $19 each (non-member pricing $21.99). Verdict: We love this for its luscious texture and length, its complex pear, peach and fig flavours, with nutmeg and sage notes. Winning on price and flavour.
Category: Lighter Red Wine Under $20
Best (Winner): Z Wine Rustica Barossa Valley Grenache $16 each Verdict: A crowd favourite and inaugural winner comes back to win again. The perfect expression of modern Australian grenache, this dynamic, vibrant wine is a powerhouse.
Best Value: Old Fat Unicorn Tempranillo $12 each Verdict: This wine is kind on the wallet and marries really well with steak. Smooth, silky and outstanding value.
Category: Lighter Red Wine Over $20
Best (Winner): OnannonMornington Pinot Noir $37 each. Verdict: If you like Mornington Peninsula pinot noir, this has your name on it. It will seduce you with its perfumed aromas, then lure you in with its balanced mix of red fruit, oak and spice.
Best Value: Cirillo The Vincent Grenache 2021 $22 each. Verdict: A stalwart of the good-old Aussie grenache style, this reliable wine is full of dark cherry, plum and spice.
Category: Fuller Red Wine Under $20
Best (Winner): Majella The Musician Cabernet Shiraz $16 each. Verdict: This wine punches above its weight. It’s under $20 but tastes like an over $20 wine. Rich and intense, it’s a serious wine perfect for pairing with a Sunday lamb roast.
Best Value: Nosey Parker Barossa Shiraz $12. Verdict: Dark berry richness, smooth tannins and a hint of oak make this a perfect match for beef bourguignon.
Category: Fuller Red Wine Over $20
Best (Winner): St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $37 each. Verdict: Mellow in the mouth, this near perfect, versatile wine offers a real sensory experience. When you smell it, you’ll want to drink it.
Best Value: Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz $19 each (non-member pricing $22.99). Verdict: The chocolatey finish will impress (just keep the price a secret!).
Category: Rosé (all price categories)
Best (Winner): Marchand & Burch Villages Rosé $25 each. Verdict:A very smart wine, this is sunshine in a glass. Perfect for warmer, sunnier days, this opulent rosé takes its cues from the dry style of rosé from Provence.
Best Value: Once & Well Frankie’s Garden Rose $14 each. Verdict: This stunning rosé is made for Sunday afternoons. It comes alive with floral flavours and fresh summer berries with an elegant freshness.
Sparkling Wine (all price categories)
Best (Winner): Petaluma Croser Vintage 2018 $30 each. Verdict:This captivating, complex sparkling has the rich flavour, texture and vibrancy you’d expect from a premium winemaker. Drink it on its own or pair it with food – it’s perfect for all occasions.
Best Value: St Huberts The Stag Blanc de Blancs $12 each. Verdict: Get the party started with this blanc de blancs made from 100% per cent chardonnay.
Best (Winner) Prosecco: Cloak & Dagger Prosecco $18 Verdict: This Victorian drop is all about granny smith apples.
Best (Winner) Sparkling Rosé : Yarra Burn Premium Cuvee Rose $11 each. Verdict: Sparkling rosé is super versatile. This pink fizz is next-level elegance (made under the guiding hand of Australian sparkling wine maestro Ed Carr).
Best (Winner) Non Vintage: A by Arras Premium Cuvee Tasmania $23 each. Verdict: Popular non-vintage sparkling offers great value for money. This sparkling is creamy, buttery and refined.
Best (Winner) Pet Nat: Native & Ancient PetNat Sauv Blanc $25 each. Verdict: As unfiltered wines, pét-nats are naturally sparkling and can be cloudy. This one has a fruit salad of flavours.
Best (Winner) Something Different: Zonzo Estate Bellini $17 each. Verdict: This category celebrates left-of-centre sparkling. The Zonzo is a pretty mix of sparkling and peach nectar.
