Overview: The International Wine & Spirit Competition returned to Margaret River for its fourth Global Judging in the region, delivering a historic result with more than 230 medals awarded. A perfect 100-point score was achieved by House of Cards Ace High Chardonnay 2025, marking the first wine to reach this highest possible score since the IWSC introduced its 100-point scoring system in 2019.
The Full Story
The judging panels included influential buyers, sommeliers, and wine writers from the UK and Australia. The event was co-chaired by Freddy Bulmer, Wine Buyer at The Wine Society, and Andrew Caillard MW, Australian Author and Auctioneer. In total, 29 gold medals were awarded to Western Australian wines, with Chardonnay leading the results with more than 90 medals, including 16 golds. Cabernet Sauvignon led the reds with more than 60 medals, including nine golds.
For the UK judges taking part in this year’s Global Judging, figures reflect a growing appetite for premium Australian wine. Total export value has grown by 5% over the past 12 months, while exports to the UK have increased by an impressive 38%, making the UK Margaret River’s number-one export market by value. Beyond Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, gold medals were awarded across a broader range of varieties, including Sparkling wine, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
Production & Profile
Chardonnay from Margaret River and across Western Australia stood out for both its quality and diversity of styles. Judges noted exceptional fruit selection and high-quality winemaking, combined with excellent use of oak. The Gingin clone was highlighted as something really special that clearly works beautifully in this part of the world. For Cabernet Sauvignon, many wines had high fruit concentration, but those that managed to make their tannins slightly more polished and approachable in their youth typically scored higher.
Cabernet Franc also impressed, with A.G. Oatley Wines Nicole Oatley Wines Cabernet Franc 2023 receiving a gold medal. According to Isa Bal MS, Founder & Director of London restaurants Trivet, which holds two Michelin stars, and one-Michelin-starred LaBombe, this diversity adds to the region’s sense of discovery. It is important to embrace those different varieties as well, because they complete the picture.
Brand & Industry History
The IWSC introduced its 100-point scoring system in 2019, and House of Cards Ace High Chardonnay 2025 was awarded a gold medal and a perfect 100 points – the first wine to achieve the highest possible score since that introduction. Chenin Blanc has a long history in the state, with Andrew Caillard MW pointing to its potential as a really, really great foil to Chardonnay. The region’s total export value has grown by 5% over the past 12 months, while exports to the UK have increased by an impressive 38%, making the UK Margaret River’s number-one export market by value.
What This Means
The results come at an exciting time for Margaret River internationally. There is a growing appetite for premium Australian wine among UK judges, with Freddy Bulmer stating, “We are definitely seeing Margaret River really overperforming against the rest of the country.” Emma Robinson, Wine Buyer at Jeroboams, highlighted the region’s growing fine-wine credentials, noting that Margaret River has really held its own and is recognised as a fine-wine region. The journey now continues for gold medal winners, who will travel to London for IWSC Trophy Judging on 30 September.
Consumer Takeaway
The wines will travel to London for IWSC Trophy Judging on 30 September, where they will be tasted alongside gold medal-winning wines from across this year’s IWSC judging. Top performers include House of Cards Ace High Chardonnay 2025, The Royals Chardonnay 2025, Credaro Family Estate 1000 Crowns Chardonnay 2025, and Menzies Vineyard Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2023. Beyond the judging room, the international panel spent time meeting producers and exploring the region through winery visits and dedicated tastings.
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