There are those top-tier bottles from Australia’s greatest names in wine that we collectively covet. The trouble is by the time these releases are on our radar, often the good stuff has been snapped up. That’s why the launch of historic Victorian winery Seppelt’s Luxury Collection is significant. A pioneer of sparkling wines (the 2007 Show Sparkling was named best in Australia at the 2018 Halliday Wine Companion Awards) and with a range of sought-after still wine, this is the first time Seppelt is releasing all of its prized labels at once.
Over 165 years, Seppelt has established itself as an icon of fine wine in Australia and it fiercely guards this reputation. That means its most celebrated wines are only produced in the best vintages, assuring they don’t need to be overworked in the winery and that the characters of the sites shine through. Sourcing from vineyards around Victoria – from the ancient soils of the Grampians for shiraz to the cooler heights of Henty for riesling – the range showcases the ability of the state to achieve both complex, savoury reds and bright, aromatic whites.
The balance of Seppelt’s wines contributes to their age-worthiness and adds to their appeal as collector’s items. Priced between $27 and $80, they also represent exceptional value. See our top picks ahead and hear what the winemaker, James Halliday and other experts have to say.
Highlights of the 2018 Seppelt Luxury Collection
2016 Seppelt St Peters Grampians Shiraz
Winemaker says: Deep red with purple hues. A complex, perfumed nose of violets and dark fruit laced with sweet spice and freshly cracked pepper. Flavours of mulberry fruit combine with tight, fine tannins and a backbone of well-integrated oak, finishing long. St Peters is sourced only from the finest, most intense fruit. Powerful yet finely structured, it has extraordinary cellaring potential.
James Halliday rated the 2016 Seppelt St Peters 96 points. It has also been labelled ‘Outstanding’ in the Langton’s Classification VI.
RRP $80 | 2042 | Find out more
2018 Seppelt Drumborg Vineyard Riesling
Winemaker says: Pale straw with green hues. Aromas of freshly zested lime, white flowers and ginger. The palate shows exceptional fruit purity, with concentrated lemon and lime, plus a fine backbone of acid resulting in a wine with balance and length. Its remarkable structure makes it an excellent option for the cellar.
The 2017 vintage was rated 98 points and described as “an utterly beautiful riesling” by James Halliday.
RRP $40 | 2038 | Find out more
NV Seppelt Original Sparkling Shiraz
Winemaker says: Vibrant red with a garnet hue. A lifted floral nose with aromas of mulberry, blue fruit and spice. Bright, juicy red fruits, spicy notes and a lovely balance of sweetness and tannin are tied up with a fine sparkling bead. We're renowned for our sparkling reds and this wine provides a great introduction.
Named Tyson Stelzer’s ‘Sparkling Wine of the Year Under $30’ and rated 94 points.
RRP $27 | 2026 | Find out more
See the full collection at seppelt.com.au and find the range at leading retailers nationwide.