Wines of the Year 2026 | Tony's Top 2

Paixon Mencia is bright, juicy and effortlessly drinkable, with notes of red cherry, raspberry and a light floral lift. The palate is fresh and supple, with soft tannins and a lively, crunchy finish that keeps things flowing. If you enjoy the freshness and fruit forward charm of Beaujolais, this is very much in that happy place.

Paixon comes from Monterrei in north west Spain, a lesser known region known for producing fresh, elegant styles shaped by Atlantic influence. Mencia thrives here, delivering wines with fragrance, balance and natural drinkability rather than weight. The vineyards sit at altitude, helping retain acidity and clarity in the fruit. This is a modern expression of Spanish red wine that leans into freshness, making it incredibly food friendly and easy to love.

A pure and powerful Eden Valley Riesling featuring bright aromas of honeysuckle, dragon fruit, and citrus flowers, with undertones of musk and rose petal. The palate delivers citrus, crisp green apple, and lime flavours balanced by taut acidity and a refreshing finish. Golden in colour.

This historic single-vineyard wine comes from the 'Enchanted Garden' site, planted in 1910 in Eden Valley. The excellent 2023 vintage saw a wet spring and mild summer, leading to a later harvest that produced fresh, vibrant fruit with aging potential.

Dandelion Vineyards is the project of Elena Brooks, who began her wine journey at age 12 interpreting for international winemakers in her native Bulgaria, making her first wine by 16. Now based in McLaren Vale with her husband Zar, she crafts wines across South Australia's premium regions, from Barossa through Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills to McLaren Vale – what wine journalist Nick Stock dubbed the "blessed curve."