The Orange wine region in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales at 600–1,100m elevation — making it Australia's highest and coolest mainland wine region — produces wines of extraordinary freshness and precision. Orange's dormant volcanic basalt soils (extinct Mount Canobolas sits at the centre), cool temperatures, and reliable autumn rainfall create conditions for Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, and particularly Sauvignon Blanc of Marlborough-competing quality. Riesling and Pinot Gris are also showing remarkable potential.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | Orange's altitude provided characteristic freshness through a warm NSW summer; Chardonnay showed excellent mineral precision. |
| 2022 | — | Outstanding Australian vintage extending to Orange; volcanic basalt sites produced Shiraz of unusual depth with cool freshness. |
| 2021 | — | Reliable high-altitude vintage; Orange's cool temperatures maintained characteristic freshness and mineral acidity across all varieties. |
| 2020 | — | Smoke taint from NSW bushfires affected some low-altitude Orange sites; high-altitude (800m+) estates largely maintained quality. |
| 2019 | — | Fine Orange vintage pre-fires; Philip Shaw and peers produced Chardonnay and Shiraz of exceptional cool-climate quality. |