Top marks from Australia’s leading wine guide
We’re focused on making wines that taste great and reflect the true character of our part of the Barossa. We make wines that we enjoy drinking and we hope you do too.
But it’s always good to see what the experts think of our wine. So we’re excited to share our best results ever from the 2021 James Halliday Wine Companion released last month. James Halliday has published this overview of Australian wine since 1986. Both consumers and the wine trade consider it a key barometer of Australian wine.
A Red Five Star Winery again
The Wine Companion named Bethany wines a Red Five Star Winery again. They give this accolade to outstanding wineries that regularly produce wines of exemplary quality that truly reflect their varietal. To receive this accolade, wineries need to have at least two wines rated at 95 points or above and have had a five-star rating for the previous three years.
We’re delighted with this result. They awarded 12 of our wines over 94 points, with a record seven wines awarded 95-97 points.
Our highest ranked wines were the 2017 East Ground Shiraz (97 points) and 2019 Blue Quarry Single Vineyard Eden Valley Riesling (96 points). They also nominated these wines for offering special value to consumers.
The James Halliday Wine Companion has always been an indispensable bible for buyers of Australian wine here and abroad. To have our wines recognised by James and his team is a real reward for the hard work we put in at Bethany to bring our loyal customers the very best.” Alex MacClelland – Winemaker
Delighting consumers and the wine experts
With world-renowned expert James Halliday at the helm, a team of seven wine authorities sample over 9000 Australian wines. In both Australia and overseas, Halliday ratings are an important guide for trade and consumers alike.
Accolades for our current release wines
Here are a few of the wines that James Halliday highlighted. Most of them are available online now. But if they’re not, sign up to our mailing list and we’ll let you know when we release them.
Best of the Best: East Grounds Barossa Shiraz 2017 – 97 points
From the estate's highest vineyard block on the eastern ridge of the Barossa foothills. This is a lovely example of Shiraz grown in a temperate climate. It's medium-bodied, the bouquet full of spice, red fruits, rose petals and cherry blossom characters all translating straight to the long, supple palate. Tannins and oak are part of the backdrop, providing the finish of the wine.
GR Reserve Shiraz 2017 – 95 points
From two vineyards that shone in the cool conditions. Generous use (70 percent) of new French and American oak is usual practice for Bethany, likewise 18 months maturation. Good retention of colour; the elegant, fresh, medium-bodied palate is a reflection of the cool, dry vintage. Some may wonder where the wine is headed. The answer may lie decades away, or drink it tonight - such is the magic of the vintage.
LE Shiraz 2017 – 95 points
Sourced predominantly from a single Eden Valley vineyard. This is a slightly bolder version of the GR Reserve. It’s been vinified with restraint from start to finish, part crushed and part whole berry fermentation. Then matured in 38 percent new French and American oak for 18 months.
Blue Quarry Single Vineyard Eden Valley Riesling 2019– 96 points
Steps taken to pick early from the cool site of the vineyard. The result is a wine full of Rose's lime juice and a squeeze of lemon. Seriously good Riesling - drink whenever, young or old.
Keen to try some of these for yourself?
But you don’t have to just take James’ word for it. If you’re keen to add some of these award-winning wines to your cellar, head to our online shop.
At the time of writing, there are still some restrictions on visiting South Australia. But we’re open for tastings and look forward to welcoming you soon.
