The James Halliday Wine Companion 2022 results are in and we're excited to share our achievements with you. 

In a year of changes, challenges, and new normals, it’s comforting to know some things remain as reliable as ever. The release of the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion on 12 August is as exciting as it always is and Handpicked once again received a string of gold medals and high scores for multiple wines.

We retained our 5 Red Star rating for the seventh year in a row, putting us in the top 4% of Australian wineries, or as James Halliday himself says, “Truly the best of the best”.

The 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Scores

 To shop the wines, click here

Auburn Road Vineyard Tasmania Pinot Noir 2019 | 96 points – Gold medal

“Tassie pinot. It's something else. It has an intensity, power and so much flavour. And yet, rarely feels heavy or overwrought. This is so perfumed, with florals and autumnal fragrance. It's perfectly framed, highlighting cherry and raspberry accents, woodsy spices and more besides. Full bodied, with plush, textural tannins. It's complex but not complicated, and this the inaugural release. Nice one.”
Jane Faulkner -Published 12 August 2021

Collection Tasmania Pinot Noir 2019 | 96 points – Gold medal

“From estate vineyards on either side of the Tamar Valley. Very good colour. The Tamar Valley produces pinot noir with more depth and power than any other Tasmanian district. This wine is a high-quality example, with mouth-coating satsuma plum and morello cherry fruit. Will richly repay prolonged cellaring.”

James Halliday - Published 12 August 2021

Collection Tasmania Chardonnay 2019 | 95 points – Gold medal

“Handpicked has ventured to the Tamar Valley, adding another string to their extensive portfolio. Grapefruit and a hint of mandarin flavours are the cornerstones of a tenacious palate that has excellent natural acidity providing guard rails for a long, focused finish and aftertaste.”

James Halliday - Published 13 August 2021

Cuvée Tasmania Sparkling | 92 points – Silver medal

“A copper/pink blush and a delightful fizz. Flavours of strawberry shortcake and lemon biscuit with stone fruit and nougat. While it has richness and a softness across the palate, it's refreshing, crisp and dryish. The inaugural release and a fine addition.”
Jane Faulkner - Published 13 August 2021

Regional Selections Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris 2020 | 90 points – Silver medal

“This ticks the boxes. A bit of texture, some fresh pears with ginger cream and citrusy tang to finish. A refreshing drink.”
Jane Faulkner Published 13 August 2021

To sample the wines for yourself stop by the Sydney Cellar Door, Melbourne Cellar door or order online. You can also find us at select bottle shops, bars and restaurants across Australia. Send us an email to find out where!

JAMES HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2021

2018 Capella Vineyard Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir |97 Gold

 2017 Highbow Hill Vineyard Yarra Valley Chardonnay | 96 Gold

 2018 Capella Vineyard Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay | 96 Gold

 2017 Highbow Hill Vineyard Yarra Valley Pinot Noir | 95 Gold

 2018 Collection Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir | 95 Gold

 2019 Collection Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay | 94 Silver

 2018 Collection Yarra Valley Chardonnay | 93 Silver

 2019 Trial Batch Nebbiolo Rosé | 92 Silver

 2017 Regional Selections Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon | 91 Silver

 2017 Regional Selections Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | 91 Silver

 2018 Regional Selections Yarra Valley Chardonnay |90 Silver

JAMES HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2020

2017 Wombat Creek Vineyard Yarra Valley Chardonnay | 96 Gold

Collection Tasmania Pinot Noir | 96 Gold

Capella Vineyard Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir | 96 Gold

2017 Wombat Creek Vineyard Yarra Valley Pinot Noir | 95 Gold

2017 Collection Yarra Valley Pinot Noir | 95 Gold

2017 Collection Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay | 95 Gold

2017 Barossa Valley Grenache | 95 Gold

2017 Capella Vineyard Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay | 94 Silver

2016 Regional Selections Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | 94 Silver

2017 Collection Barossa Valley Shiraz | 94 points

2017 Collection Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir | 93 Silver

2016 Regional Selections Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon | 93 Silver

2017 Regional Selections Yarra Valley Chardonnay | 92 Silver

2016 Collection Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay | 92 Silver

2017 Regional Selections Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir - 90 Silver

JAMES HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2019

2016 Chardonnay 'single vineyard' Wombat Creek | Yarra Valley - 96 Points

2016 Pinot Noir 'single vineyard' Capella | Mornington Peninsula - 96 Points 

2013 Shiraz NO.1 Numbered Series - 96 Points

2016 Pinot Noir 'single vineyard' Wombat Creek | Yarra Valley - 95 Points

2016 Grenache Collection Barossa Valley - 95 Points 

2016 Chardonnay Regional Selections Yarra Valley - 94 points

2016 Chardonnay 'single vineyard' Capella | Mornington Peninsula - 95 Points 

2016 Shiraz Collection Barossa Valley - 94 Points 

JAMES HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2018

2015 Single Vineyard Chardonnay | Mornington Peninsula - 97 points 

2015 Collection Chardonnay | Mornington Peninsula - 94 points

2015 Collection Pinot Noir | Mornington Peninsula - 94 points

2016 Regional Selections Pinot Noir | Mornington Peninsula - 94 points

2015 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir | Yarra Valley - 96 points 

2014 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon | Yarra Valley - 95 points

2016 Regional Selections Rosé | Yarra Valley - 95 points 

2015 Single Vineyard Chardonnay | Yarra Valley - 95 Points

2015 Collection Chardonnay | Yarra Valley- 95 points 

2014 Handpicked Collection Shiraz | Barossa Valley - 95 points

2015 Handpicked Collection Pinot | Tasmania - 95 points

HOW DOES THE JAMES HALLIDAY POINT SYSTEM WORK?

Generally, the most accurate method of judging a selection of wines is through a blind tasting and a 100 point rating system. Wines begin with a solid total of 100 points, with points removed for faults or shortcomings in components such as clarity and colour, the nose/bouquet and ultimately the palate. A blind tasting of these wines ensures that James Halliday cannot show bias to any wines, and all submissions are considered fairly. To any wine enthusiast, this might sound like the greatest job ever, however, Halliday can taste up to 7000 wines in the lead up to the release of the Wine Companion. It is actually quite a gruelling task!

Wines rating a score of 90 points or above are considered to be Highly Recommended, Outstanding, and Exceptional depending on the bracket. These wines would also be likely to win a Gold or Silver medal at any reputable wine show.