Leading wine critic James Halliday RATES Sandalford in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion

Australia's leading wine critic James Halliday has once again awarded Sandalford Wines the very coveted and extremely prestigious RED 5 STAR rating in his 2022 Australian Wine Companion just released.

We are extremely proud and very humbled by this incredible accolade which places Sandalford Wines amongst the very best of Australia's 2,500 or so different wineries.

Congratulations to our Winemaking and Viticultural teams lead by Ross Pamment and Ben Maher respectively for this fantastic achievement!

An extraordinary THIRTEEN Sandalford Wines were awarded 90 points or more by James Halliday and his tasting panel. Summarised below are the relevant extracts from the 2022 Wine Companion featuring our wines.

James said about Sandalford Wines in his annual 'wine bible':
"Sandalford is one of Australia’s oldest and largest privately owned wineries. In 1970 it moved beyond its original Swan Valley base, purchasing a substantial property in Margaret River that is now the main source of its premium grapes. Wines are released under the 1840 (Swan Valley), Element, Winemakers, Margaret River and Estate Reserve ranges, with Prendiville Reserve at the top. Exports to all major markets."

2018 Sandalford Estate Reserve Shiraz
“Gorgeous nose – all raspberry, blackberry, clove, peppercorn and licorice. The palate follows in exactly this manner; lively, succulent and statuesque. A beautiful wine.”
Rating 95. To 2030.

2018 Sandalford 1840 Range Cabernet Merlot
“This is salty, supple and full to the brim with succulent berry fruits. A lively, silky and very balanced wine. The heat of the summer sun that beats down on the vines in the Swan Valley is almost invisible in this glass. Complete pleasure, here.”
Rating 95. To 2035.

2019 Sandalford Estate Reserve Chardonnay
“Matured on lees for 8 months in French oak (30% new). Savoury, spicy oak encases ripe yellow peach, orchard fruits and hints of curry leaf. The acidity that laces it all together is distinctly saline, making this a classical Margaret River chardonnay. The cool ’19 vintage has laid a delicate imprint.”
Rating 94. To 2028.

2019 Sandalford Prendiville Reserve Chardonnay
“Rich, toasty and flavoursome, this paces up and down the peach and nectarine aisle, stalking the fruit section for more to add to the collection; pawpaw, guava, white currant, red apples and more. The acid is succulent and juicy on the palate. This is fuller than expected from the cool year from whence it came. Not nuanced, but layered.”
Rating 94. To 2036.

2018 Sandalford Prendiville Reserve Shiraz
“Significant oak influence – the fruit is almost up to the task, but it needs more time to integrate to gain full enjoyment and satisfaction. Good length of flavour says this has plenty of years ahead of it.”
Rating 94. To 2035.

2018 Sandalford Prendiville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
“The oak sits astride the fruit on the nose – all leather strapping, star anise, black pepper and other dark, spicy things. Powerful cassis, blackberry and raspberry on the palate, but these fruits feel book-ended by oak at this stage. All the hallmarks required for ageing exist here, so likely it will achieve some harmony over time.”
Rating 94. To 2046.

2020 Sandalford Margaret River Range Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Rating 93. To 2024.

2020 Sandalford 1840 Range Chenin Blanc
Rating 93. To 2031.

2020 Sandalford Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Rating 92. To 2024.

2018 Sandalford 1840 Range Shiraz
Rating 92. To 2030.

2018 Sandalford Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Rating 92. To 2030.