Margaret River Results: Western Australia's Wine Renaissance
Western Australia delivered its strongest IWSC performance on record. Following last week's successful Margaret River judging session, 209 entries from across the state earned 39 Gold medals (19%), 97 Silver medals (46%) and 73 Bronze medals (34%) with scores ranging from 85 to an exceptional 98 points.
The standout achievement belonged to Xanadu Wines' Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from Margaret River, scoring 98 points - the session's highest score and a reflection of the region's world-class potential. Five wines achieved 97 points, creating an elite tier that showcased both Margaret River's flagship varieties and exciting alternative expressions.
Chardonnay's Continued Reign
Margaret River Chardonnay dominated both entries and excellence, with 78 submissions earning 18 Gold, 38 Silver and 22 Bronze medals. The variety secured six of the top 10 highest-scoring wines, including Deep Woods Estate's Reserve Chardonnay 2024 (97 points) and 2023 (97 points) alongside Nocturne's Sv Wilson and Sv Forrest Chardonnays (both 96 points).
"The breadth of style of Chardonnay and the consistently high quality was outstanding," observed judge Joseph Arthur. "Chardonnay can compete with the best of Burgundy and should offer a great value alternative consistently vintage to vintage."
Andrew Caillard MW highlighted a regional signature: "Margaret River Chardonnay has a consistent direction. The best wines showed pure fruit definition with a touch of flint lifting the fruit." He particularly praised the Gingin Clone's influence: "Some utterly superb Chardonnay - glory to Gingin. Gingin Clone is distinctive in character and brings a unique identity to Margaret River Chardonnay."
Cabernet's Commanding Performance
Cabernet Sauvignon proved equally impressive, with 63 entries earning 12 Gold medals, led by Xanadu's 98-point triumph and Greenpiper Wines' John George Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (97 points). The variety demonstrated remarkable consistency across vintages, with strong representation from 2021-2023.
Judge Tom Kline noted a standout quality: "A Cabernet stood out in the line-up for its unique and confident style. It cascaded with powerful complexity and singular character while still remaining true to its place. Very exciting."
Judge Gabrielle Poy reinforced the category's strength: "The reds were strong - not just the region's hero of Cabernet either. 2023 reds were very strong across the board."
Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc: Regional Identity Endures
Alongside Chardonnay and Cabernet, Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc blends and varietal Sauvignons - long recognised as Margaret River calling cards - impressed with a string of Golds.
Highlights included Stella Bella's Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023 (95 points, Gold), Coward & Black Vineyards' Fume Blanc 2023 (95 points, Gold) and Wills Domain's Eightfold Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (95 points, Gold). Silvers for Woody Nook's Limited Release Fume Blanc 2024 (92 points) and Coward & Black's Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2024 (91 points) further confirmed the style's enduring strength.
These results underscore the balance, freshness and food-friendly versatility that have long defined Margaret River's classic white blends.
Alternative Varieties Shine
The session's most exciting discovery was Savagnin, which captured judges' attention. The standout was Amato Vino's Savagnin 'Space Girls' 2024 (95 points, Gold).
Rebecca Palmer was effusive: "This OUTSTANDING single varietal Savagnin stopped us in our steps - a thrilling wine, beautifully made. The most extraordinary Savagnin - simply the most delicious example of the variety and demonstrating the versatility, aspiration and potential of the region."
Shiraz also delivered standout performances, led by Domaine Naturaliste's Rachis Syrah 2023 (97 points, Gold). Judge Joseph Arthur singled it out: "This one beautiful Shiraz that was head and shoulders above others we have tasted this week."
Sparkling Wines Add Spark
Western Australia's sparkling wines also impressed the panel. Howard Park Wines' Jete Premier Brut NV (91 points, Silver) and Jete Rosé NV (90 points, Silver) showcased Mount Barker's cool-climate credentials, while Bronzes for Petit Jete Blanc de Blancs NV (85 points, Pemberton) and Passel Estate's 'La Joie' MéthodeTraditionnelle Chenin Blanc 2023 (87 points, Margaret River) demonstrated stylistic range across the state.
Though not yet a headline category, these results underline the ambition of WA producers to extend their reputation beyond still wines.
Regional Diversity Beyond Margaret River
While Margaret River dominated with 172 entries, other Western Australian regions demonstrated impressive quality.
Frankland River achieved remarkable efficiency with nine entries earning three Gold, three Silver and three Bronze medals - a 100% success rate led by Ferngrove's The Stirlings Bluff Knoll Cabernet Shiraz Malbec 2023 (96 points).
Great Southern contributed six entries, with Howard Park's Riesling 2024 (88 points, Bronze) reflecting the region's reputation for aromatic whites.
Pemberton and Geographe each submitted five entries, with consistent medal success across styles.
Even WA's smallest regions made their mark, with single Silver medals awarded to Blackwood Valley and Porongurup - proof that quality is emerging from every corner of the state.
A Serious Competitor
The results position Western Australia as a serious competitor to established wine regions globally.
"These Chardonnays have merit and an even greater place in our glasses and cellars, particularly in terms of value for money at the premium level, when classic world regions have become inaccessible for so many consumers," noted Rebecca Palmer.
Andrew Caillard MW reinforced this commercial opportunity: "The strength of Chardonnay is really impressive. These results help demonstrate to a Eurocentric audience that Margaret River Chardonnay offers far better value than Premier Cru White Burgundy."
With an average score of 90.5 across all entries and 65% of wines earning Silver or Gold medals, Western Australia has established itself as a region capable of consistent excellence at accessible price points.
Explore the gold medal winners from our Margaret River Global Judging below, and head to our results section to see the full range of medal winners.
Photo by Ovis Creative
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