On International Shiraz Day, wine enthusiasts worldwide turn their attention to this esteemed grape, celebrated for its robust character and extensive flavor profiles. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on 15 distinguished Shiraz wines, recently honored at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025. These selections underscore the varietal's remarkable adaptability and global presence, extending from its historical roots in France's Rhône Valley to its flourishing vineyards in the New World, particularly in Australia, South Africa, and emerging regions like Serbia.

Fifteen Distinguished Shiraz Wines Shine at DWWA 2025

Every year, on the fourth Thursday of July, the global wine community dedicates a day to Shiraz, a black grape variety renowned for producing some of the most profound, impactful, and age-worthy wines. Also known as Syrah, this varietal traces its origins to the historic Rhône region in France. Here, in appellations such as Côte Rôtie and Hermitage, Syrah yields complex, full-bodied wines brimming with notes of red and black fruits, violets, pepper, and a savory meatiness. Further south, in regions including the celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Syrah is frequently integrated into blends, contributing depth of color, structured tannins, intriguing spice, and overall complexity to traditional GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) concoctions. Moving into the neighboring Languedoc-Roussillon, both varietal and blended Syrah wines present a riper, more approachable style that invites exploration.

Beyond its European homeland, Shiraz has truly found a second home in the New World, with Australia standing as a paramount and highly successful producer. The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025 results emphatically confirm this, as Australia secured two 'Best in Show' accolades, two 'Platinum' awards, and eight 'Gold' medals for its single varietal Shiraz wines, alongside numerous other Shiraz-dominant blends. This global appeal, esteemed reputation, and inherent adaptability across varied climates are further highlighted by the top DWWA 2025 results, which also celebrated award-winning Shiraz wines from Serbia and South Africa. For those who appreciate the rich, indulgent notes of chocolate, jammy fruits, and peppery spice characteristic of Shiraz, the following 15 examples, meticulously curated from the DWWA 2025, are sure to captivate and impress.

Distinguished Australian Selections

• Barossa Old Vine Company, Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2022: Crowned 'Best in Show' with 97 points, this wine from Barossa’s ancient vines presents a captivating aromatic depth, marrying dark fruit with an earthy undertone. Its balance is remarkably soft, showcasing a thoughtful transition from vineyard to bottle.
• Trentham Estate, Reserve Shiraz, Heathcote, Victoria 2023: Another 'Best in Show' recipient with 97 points, this Victorian Shiraz bursts with lively red fruit, peppery spice, and intriguing floral notes, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and purity.
• Cape Mentelle, Heritage Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia 2023: Awarded 'Platinum' with 97 points, this wine offers opulent blueberry and black cherry notes, supported by a plush oak structure and finely integrated tannins.
• Heirloom Vineyards, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2023: This 'Platinum' winner, also with 97 points, delivers sumptuous blackberry and bramble fruits, complemented by generous tannins and a unifying acidity.
• John Duval Wines, Eligo, Barossa, South Australia 2021: A 'Gold' medalist with 96 points, this wine is intensely concentrated, featuring layers of prune, plum, and raspberry jam with a delightful blueberry texture.
• Sons of Eden, Romulus Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2022: Earning 'Gold' with 96 points, this Shiraz explodes with blackberries, crushed violets, and subtle mocha notes, enveloped in a glossy texture.
• Centare Vineyard, Old Block Shiraz, Yarra Valley, Victoria 2022: Recognized with 'Gold' and 95 points, this wine showcases pristine blue fruit aromas and black olive tapenade, culminating in a soft, supple palate.
• Dandelion Vineyards, Firehawk Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2022: A 'Gold' winner with 95 points, it presents a brooding intensity of plum, mulberry, and spiced fruit cake, with appealing tannins and a sweet violet finish.
• Monteperle, Reserve Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia 2022: Achieving 'Gold' with 95 points, this wine boasts phenomenal texture, combining savory bresaola notes with ripe cherry and chocolate.
• Tyrrell’s, Winemaker’s Selection Vat 9 Shiraz, Hunter Valley, New South Wales 2023: Awarded 'Gold' with 95 points, this Shiraz features evocative dark berry fruit, violet perfume, and peppery spice, with a full-bodied texture.
• Wirra Wirra, Catapult Organic Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2023: A 'Silver' medalist with 94 points, offering herbaceous aromas, savory plummy fruit, and well-balanced tannins.

Notable International Selections

• Erdevik, Stifler’s Mom Shiraz, Fruška Gora, Srem, Serbia 2020: Earning 'Silver' with 94 points, this Serbian Shiraz delivers ripe red berries, mocha, and spicy oak undertones, showcasing elegance and depth.
• Hartenberg Wine Estate, Shiraz, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2021: A 'Gold' recipient with 95 points, this South African Shiraz captivates with a regal perfume of herbs and florals, leading to a silky smooth finish.
• Saronsberg Cellar, Shiraz, Tulbagh, South Africa 2023: Awarded 'Silver' with 94 points, this wine reveals delicate rose buds and violets over cedar and blueberry, underpinned by refined tannins.
• Spier, Seaward Shiraz, Coastal Region, South Africa 2023: Another 'Silver' medalist with 94 points, featuring toasted coconut and hedgerow fruits, dark plum, and silky succulence.

The journey through these award-winning Shiraz wines from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 reveals not only the grape's diverse expressions but also the dedication of winemakers across the globe. From the robust, fruit-forward Australian powerhouses to the nuanced elegance of French Syrah, and the exciting potential demonstrated by wines from Serbia and South Africa, each bottle tells a unique story of terroir and craftsmanship. This selection serves as a compelling invitation to explore the rich tapestry of Shiraz, reminding us that its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and thrive, consistently delivering exceptional quality and character to palates worldwide.