Cellar Icons Book
Welcome to The World of Wine list of producers we believe deserve a place in our Cellar Icons Book. We often speak of Bucket List wines and unforgettable experiences - moments that stay with you forever, where a special wine brings to life the place, the time, the food, and, most importantly, the people you shared the experience with. These wines can provide that experience.
For decades, and in some cases centuries, certain producers have been guided by tradition, craftsmanship and an unrelenting pursuit to produce the finest wines. With a legacy of excellence and a lineage that proves their wines age gracefully across generations, these wineries stand as the pinnacle of fine wine.
Our Cellar Book invites you to learn, dream and add to your collection.
Penfolds
This is the story of how a doctor with a passion for wine entered Australia's wine scene but it’s also the tale of how one particular wine from Penfolds would capture the hearts of wine lovers around the world.
'Grange' is a wine that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest wines in the world. Penfolds and Grange are inseparable, and their story cannot be told without the other. Penfolds is widely regarded as the most significant and dominant wine producer in Australia. Despite undergoing changes in ownership over the years, it has consistently maintained a high level of quality and steadily risen to the top since its founding in 1844.
Today, Grange is Penfolds's original icon and most potent expression. It symbolizes how blending several vineyards and districts can create a glorious unity. Grange is Australia's most famous wine, but the road to fame has been paved with skepticism, condemnation, and thankfully, a great deal of perseverance.
When Grange was first presented, Max Schubert received this comment from a respected taster "Schubert, I congratulate you. A very good, dry port, which no one in their right mind will buy - let alone drink."
Had Max Schubert not been so determined about the high quality of the wine, the whole adventure of Penfolds Grange could have collapsed right there. Fortunately, he was a stubborn man and in 1951 the first vintage was produced. It was rejected the first time Max Schubert presented his new star to the owners and other talented tasters. It was certainly not the reception Max Schubert had wanted yet he was still patient, determined and persistent to prove them wrong. The owners of Penfolds even demanded that he stop production. Yet, he was so sure of his project that he hid his production in the cellar for several years.
Fortunately, Jeffrey Penfold Hyland was on his side. Jeffrey was in charge of production at Penfolds and allowed the secret production. It was not until the first vintage was ten years old that it had the quality to convince the owners at Penfolds to continue with is dream. From there, Max Schubert got the green light to push forward with the production of Grange.
This marked the beginning of what would become the most iconic and important Australian wine - Penfolds Grange. It became a beacon of our wine industry and the wine that put Australia on the global wine map.
Henschke
You know you’ve struck gold in the wine world when your name becomes synonymous with quality and history. Enter Henschke Winery, a true icon of Australian winemaking, where six generations have been creating masterpieces in the bottle for over 150 years. Founded in 1868 by Johann Christian Henschke, this family-run estate has become one of the most iconic producers in Australia. Nestled in the picturesque Eden Valley, Henschke is celebrated for its exceptional wines, including the legendary Hill of Grace Shiraz.
What makes Henschke so special? It’s the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The family’s passion for viticulture is evident in every bottle, each one telling a story of dedication, heritage, and a touch of magic. But it’s not just about the wines. The Henschke family’s deep connection to the land and their sustainable farming practices ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the fruits of their labor. From the ancient vines of Hill of Grace to the lush gardens of Mount Edelstone, Henschke’s vineyards are a testament to their commitment to preserving the environment. So, if you haven’t yet experienced the wonder that is Henschke, it’s time to dive in.
Mount Mary
Set in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Mount Mary is one of the iconic producers. Following numerous visits to Bordeaux and Burgundy in the 1960s, Dr John Middleton, a Melbourne-based anaesthetist, and his wife Marli developed a passion for fine French wines, particularly those from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Inspired by the quality and elegance of these wines, they aspired to create something similar in Australia. Their search for a suitable vineyard site led them to a gentle north-facing slope in the Yarra Valley, a region with a winemaking history dating back to the 1830s but which had seen a decline and halt in viticulture by the mid-20th century. Recognising the potential of this site, the Middletons established Mount Mary in 1971. Wasting no time, the first vines were planted by mid-1972 on a perfectly situated, gentle north-facing slope. During this period, a friend of John Middleton, Colin Preece (Senior Winemaker at Seppelts Great Western), remarked that Australia had yet to produce a refined and elegant Cabernet. The Middleton family has since proven him wrong, with Mount Mary Quintet becoming a benchmark for Australian Cabernet, showcasing remarkable finesse and elegance.
Mount Mary spans approximately 40 acres, with 18 hectares under vine, cultivating a variety of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle. The winery's philosophy centres on producing wines of finesse and purity, with a focus on low alcohol levels and minimal intervention to allow the vineyard's characteristics to shine through. This approach reflects Dr Middleton's belief in the importance of site selection and meticulous vineyard management in crafting exceptional wines.
Mount Mary's wines have consistently received high praise from critics and cult from from wine collectors. The Quintet, in particular, has been awarded Best Cabernet Blend by the Wine Companion in 2024 and Best Red Wine of the Year in 2021. The team at The World of Wine have been enjoying the great wines from Mount Mary for over two decades.
Giaconda
There are few names in Australian wine as special as Giaconda, home to one of the best Chardonnay on our shores. Giaconda was founded in 1982 by Rick Kinzbrunner, a mechanical engineer turned winemaker, who is celebrated as one of Australia’s most influential vignerons.
Kinzbrunner's vision was inspired by his international experience, including time in Napa Valley and Burgundy, which he brought home to the cool climate and ancient granite soils of Beechworth. What began as a modest operation has grown into a name that resonates with wine lovers around the world.
The heart of Giaconda lies in its vineyards, planted on a dramatic slope that helps harness the cool mountain air. These unique conditions, combined with biodynamic practices and minimal intervention in the winery, produce wines of extraordinary character and depth.
Giaconda’s wines have developed a cult following over the years, with loyal collectors eagerly awaiting each new release. The Chardonnay in particular has reached near-mythical status, selling out at the winery within just two minutes of release every year. It’s not just the scarcity that drives the demand — it’s the sheer brilliance in the glass. Layered, powerful yet graceful, it’s a wine that speaks clearly of its origin and the hands that craft it.
Recently, Giaconda’s Chardonnay achieved a historic milestone, being awarded a perfect 100 points by The Wine Advocate. This isn’t just a personal triumph for Rick Kinzbrunner but a landmark moment for Australian wine as a whole. It now holds the record for the highest scoring Chardonnay in the country’s history, placing it alongside the world’s greatest white wines.
Allocations are extremely limited, please advise your Personal Wine Broker and we will do our best to secure you wines in the annual allocations.
Bass Phillip
Founded in 1979 by the enigmatic Philip Jones, this small estate in South Gippsland, Victoria, began as a quiet rebellion against convention. Jones was driven by obsession rather than ambition, planting vines in a cool, misty region few had considered for serious wine. Inspired by the great producers of Burgundy, he pursued a path of intensity and detail, crafting wines that would come to define elegance and depth in Australian Pinot Noir.
The vineyards at Bass Phillip are farmed with a deep respect for nature. Since the early 1990s, they have been managed using organic and later biodynamic principles, not because it was fashionable but because it was right for the land. The vines are dry-grown and closely spaced, forcing them to dig deep and produce fruit of exceptional concentration and purity. Everything is done by hand and nothing is rushed.
In 2012 his flagship wine, Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 was the first wine ever to be awarded 99 points by Australia’s leading critic James Halliday and it was awarded “Wine of the Year” in Halliday's Wine Companion. Subsequently, the 2012 vintage became the second Australian wine to score 99 points.
In 2022, the estate began a new chapter under the guidance of Jean-Marie Fourrier of Burgundy, signaling a future that honours its legacy while leaning even further into refinement.
Tyrrell's
My recent tastings of Tyrrell wines confirmed that this winery is on top of its game today, with an extraordinary array of single‑vineyard reds and whites that stands tall beside the portfolio of any other winery in Australia"- Huon Hooke
Tyrrell's stands as one of Australia's oldest and most esteemed family-owned wineries, rooted in a history dating back to 1858.
Embedded in the fabric of the Hunter Valley, Tyrrell's, led by founder Edward Tyrrell, pioneered Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, shaping the region's iconic Semillon style. Their Vat 1 Semillon, Australia's most-awarded white wine, boasts nearly 5,500 medals and over 330 trophies. Owning eight of NSW's 11 oldest vineyards, Tyrrell's crafts Sacred Sites wines, including the lauded Old Patch Shiraz, earning consecutive perfect scores from James Suckling.
Tyrrell's awarded #1 Winery in Wine Companion 2025 awards, it would be easy for Tyrrell’s to rest on tradition – so deep and so profound it is – to settle into the comfort of cruise control. But that’s never been the Tyrrell’s style. History is the deep heartbeat, but constant refinement the modus operandi. Chris Tyrrell is the fifth-generation custodian of the family estate, taking the operational lead in 2014. That was an auspiciously fine vintage to take the reins, and a decade later, Chris’ leadership – alongside his legendary father, Bruce – has ensured an ever-upward arc, with the estate refined into one of peerless excellence. There are a lot of wines under the Tyrrell’s banner, but all have their place, from the everyday up to some of this country’s finest single-site expressions. And while blending across sites has always been a highpoint, that isolation and celebration of exceptional vineyards and blocks, coupled with a deftly light touch in the winery, rightly enshrine Tyrrell’s greatness. Just over two dozen wines were submitted to the 2025 Companion, across a range of prices, and over half notched gold-medal scores, with eleven 96 or higher.
Cullen
Cullen Wines was founded in 1971 by married duo Dr. Kevin Cullen and Diana Madeline Cullen, who were among the first to recognize the potential of the Margaret River as a wine-producing region. Their early plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals set the stage for the region’s rise to international prominence.
Their daughter, Vanya Cullen, took over as Chief Winemaker in 1989 and initiated a transition to biodynamic viticulture in 2003. Under her leadership, Cullen became certified biodynamic, a bold move at the time that would define the winery's approach to sustainable & organic winemaking. Vanya Cullen is one of the most talented winemakers in Australia, winning winemaker of the year a number of times. She is an inspiration to many new wineries coming through striving for excellence.
The flagship wine of the estate is called the Diana Madeline and it is the 7th most collected wine in Australia. The World of Wine will get an annual allocation of Cullen wines and we highly recommend adding them to your cellar and benchmarking against the great wines of the world. Every few years Vanya is struck by inspriation and will release her 'Vanya' Cabernet Sauvignon or 'Kevin John Legacy Series' Chardonnay's. These are ultra-premium wines that rival the best expressions of these grapes globally and are always snapped up quickly by the most dedicated collectors.
Yarra Yering
Established in 1969 by the late Dr. Bailey Carrodus, the Yarra Yering vineyard emerged before the modern viticulture industry in Yarra Valley took shape, marking it as a true pioneer of modern Yarra Valley. Dr. Bailey Carrodus was a visionary and a pioneering force in the Australian wine industry. After earning a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Oxford University, he combined scientific precision with an adventurous spirit to revolutionize winemaking. His extensive travels through France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy shaped his appreciation for fine wine and guided his search for the perfect vineyard site, which he ultimately found at what is now Yarra Yering.
In 1973, Dr. Carrodus produced his first vintage, marking the rebirth of commercial winemaking in the Yarra Valley after a 50-year hiatus. Known for his innovative and sometimes unconventional techniques, such as fermenting in tea chests and hand-drawing the wine labels, he approached winemaking with creativity and dedication. Dr. Carrodus's passion for excellence and his groundbreaking methods laid the foundation for Yarra Yering's enduring reputation as one of Australia's most iconic wineries.
Yarra Yering boasts a vast array of grape varieties, reflecting Dr. Carrodus's innovative spirit. The vineyard is home to classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Rhone varieties such as Shiraz and Marsanne. Additionally, the property features Portuguese varieties like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Amarela, making it one of the most diverse vineyards in the region.
The legacy of Yarra Yering continues under the skilled hands of Sarah Crowe, the current winemaker. Sarah joined Yarra Yering in 2013 and has since been recognized for her exceptional winemaking skills, winning prestigious awards such as the James Halliday Winemaker of the Year in 2017 and the Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year in 2021. Her innovative approach, including the creation of a Shiraz-Pinot Noir blend, has further solidified Yarra Yering's reputation for excellence.
Yarra Yering is one of our all time favourite producers in Australia!
Standish
Dan Standish is the reigning king of the Barossa Valley as quoted from the Wine Advocate. The Standish Wine company was founded in 1999 by Dan Standish. He started at that time with a small, family-owned plot of almost hundred-year-old Shiraz vines in the heart of the Barossa Valley, in the sub-region of Vine Vale. He is part of the sixth generation of immigrants who settled here in 1848. In his career, Dan Standish gained experience not only in his home country, but also in California, Spain and France. He is passionate about the great wines of the Rhône Valley.
Dan Standish learnt his craft from David Powell at Torbreck, Dan was one of the key winemakers behind the success of Torbreck and worked there for over 10 years before founding Standish Wine Company. The knowledge and expertise he gained during his time at Torbreck played a critical role in shaping the philosophy and quality of his single-vineyard Shiraz wines.
Stylish, seductive and devastatingly powerful, the Standish wines are Barossa wines with unmistakable X-Factor. The founders of The World of Wine actively collect Standish wines for their personal collections. We are proud of the wines and we commend Dan Standish for his incredible work!
Mount Pleasant
If there were a Hall of Fame for wineries in Australia, Mount Pleasant would undoubtedly be inducted as one of the country’s most historic wine families. The winery’s history dates back to 1921, when legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea, often referred to as the “father of Hunter Valley wine,”. Starting a winery during the Prohibition era was no small feat, but O’Shea’s boldness and determination laid the foundation for what would become one of Australia’s most legendary wine estates. O’Shea had a keen interest in exploring and developing wines that expressed the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley, especially with the region's distinctive Shiraz and Semillon.
Mount Pleasant winemaking philosophy remains now as it was then under Maurice O'Shea. Today Adrian Sparks, as only the fifth Chief Winemaker in Mount Pleasant’s long history, upholds our commitment to expressing the beauty and individuality of our unique and historic vineyard sites. Creating with every vintage, wines of longevity, elegance and balance, that capture an honest, true story of place and time long after they’ve been bottled.