Fun fact: Shiraz lost its mantle as Australia’s most crushed red grape to Chardonnay this year. The two varieties have traded top spot in the last three years, but this year Chardy is back on top as the most crushed grape:

Of course, as you can see in the figure above from Wine Australia’s 2026 Vintage Report, Shiraz and Chardonnay are well down from the dizzy heights, with the smallest vintage in more than 25 years (since the 2000 vintage).

Also, part of the reason why Shiraz volumes have suffered this year is that warm-climate red (most recently dominated by Shiraz) has suffered significant declines in crush volumes as a proportion this year:

One year a trend does not make, and the death of Shiraz was predicted this time last year while the variety defied expectations. Yet the grape has definitely lost a little popular lustre.

Incidentally, there’s probably more diversity in Shiraz styles now than ever before, and to prove it I’ve gone diving into the sample pile for a proper smorgasbord of 25 different Shiraz + Syrah from all over Australia (and one Kiwi interloper).

There are a few Shiraz blends in here too, which might be stretching the friendship, but I don’t think they’re out of place. This mix also has a few interesting backstories for extra entertainment.

10 highlights from this collection:

Anvers Syrah 2025

Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2024

Domaine Razal Dom Raz Syrah 2024

Juxtaposed Old Vine Shiraz 2023

Meerea Park Black Shiraz 2024

Smith-Gant Reserve Bin Cabernet Shiraz 2024

Tahbilk 1860 Vines Shiraz 2018

Yangarra King’s Wood Shiraz 2024

Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2023