The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) in Paris, France, has notified The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey that its 2022 Merlot and 2023 Viognier each earned a Silver Medal and 90-point rating, while its 2022 Syrah was awarded a Bronze Medal and 88-point rating at the illustrious competition. The medals awarded were the only ones received by a Colorado winery.
“This competition is juried by the finest judges in the world who have determined that our wines are of the highest quality and stand up to some of the best wines being produced internationally. We are extremely pleased with these results, especially for the first time entering the competition,” says The Winery at Holy Cross Owner Larry Oddo.
The tasting panel had this to say about the award-winning wines:
2023 Viognier – Pretty nose of violet and orange blossom; pear, stone fruit and a touch of spice on the palate.
2022 Merlot – Candied red fruit and rose nose, then to a palate of red liquorice, chocolate oak, fine supple tannins and bright acidity.
2022 Syrah – Subtle, perfumed aromatics of floral notes and black cherry, then to a palate of generous strawberry and fine cedar tannins.
Now in its 22nd year, DWWA is the world’s largest wine competition, and its meticulous judging process means that producers and wine lovers can have the utmost confidence in every medal category, from Best in Show to Bronze.
At DWWA 2025, thousands of entries were blind tasted by some of the world’s top experts. This year’s competition involved 248 judges from 35 countries, including 72 Masters of Wine and 22 Master Sommeliers.
Experienced Regional Chairs oversee the expert judging panels, and a five-person team of Co-Chairs heads up the competition. Medal winners represent benchmark examples across a diverse range of styles, from classics in well-known regions to under-the-radar wines worthy of a starring role on the dinner table.
“The calibre of judges at Decanter is extraordinary,” said Co-Chair Michael Hill Smith AM MW. “It’s all the best and the brightest.”
Hill Smith added that a bronze medal still requires agreement from three expert judges and offers an assurance of a wine “that’s well-made and has personality.”