Australian Shiraz is one of the great bargains of the wine world. No other country produces this variety at this quality level for this price. But the supermarket shelf is a minefield — for every gem, there are ten bottles of fruit-bomb mediocrity.
We tasted 14 bottles priced under $30. These are the ones worth buying.
1. Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz 2022 — $18
The benchmark. Koonunga Hill is Penfolds doing what Penfolds does — consistency, polish, and more depth than the price suggests. Dark plum, a hint of oak, and a clean finish. Serve it with a lamb backstrap and feel like you spent twice as much.
Buy it at: Dan Murphy’s, Woolworths
2. d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2022 — $22
McLaren Vale fruit at a price that should embarrass wines twice the cost. Pepper, dark cherry, and a faint chocolate note on the finish. This is a proper food wine — pair it with anything roasted.
Buy it at: Dan Murphy’s, Vintage Cellars
3. Tyrrell’s Old Winery Shiraz 2022 — $16
Hunter Valley with enough regional character to be interesting. Earthy, medium-bodied, and genuinely drinkable without needing food. The entry point to understanding what Hunter Shiraz is about.
4. Yalumba Y Series Shiraz 2022 — $15
The workhorse. Available everywhere, reliably good, and goes with everything from pasta to a BBQ sausage. No pretension. Just solid, honest Shiraz.
Where to buy: Dan Murphy's has the best range and frequent 20% off promotions. Stock up when a sale hits.
Shop Shiraz at Dan Murphy'sThe Bottom Line
Under $30 Australian Shiraz is genuinely excellent territory. Stick with McLaren Vale or Barossa for the richest styles, and Hunter Valley if you want something with more restraint and age-worthiness.
The Koonunga Hill is our pick for the default house Shiraz. Hard to do better at $18.