Australian wine producers have registered a dominant performance at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025, claiming 10 out of the available 40 trophies, almost double the six claimed by France in second place.
Even more impressively, 90 per cent of Australia’s trophy-winning wines went to Margaret River producers, with Xanadu Wines’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 being one of only three products and the only still wine to receive a score of 98 points. This means that, out of 12,000 entries from over 90 countries, Margaret River was responsible 22.5 per cent of all trophy winning wines.
“Margaret River wines have never been more exciting,” said Amanda Whiteland, CEO of the Margaret River Wine Association. “These results not only reflect the outstanding quality of the recent vintages, but also highlights the region’s long-term trajectory of excellence.”
The result also represents an impressive conversion rate for the 39 Gold Medals awarded to Western Australian producers in the IWSC Global Judging held in Margaret River earlier this year. Each of these wines was then automatically entered into the final Trophy judging held in the UK on 11 September.
In addition to the Xanadu Wines’ 98 points, Australia secured three 97, one 96, and five 95 point scores. Impressively, Fogarty Wine Group secured a 97 point gold medal for both the 2023 and 2022 vintages of Deep Woods Reserve Chardonnay – backing up its recent recognition as Best White Wine at the National Wine Show, its 97 point score at the Decanter World Wine Awards, and as Best Wine of Provenance at the Royal Perth Wine Awards.
Reflecting on this year’s results, CEO of the IWSC Christelle Guibert said: “The exceptional medal results demonstrate how Western Australia continues to deliver world-class wines that resonate with global audiences.”
Meanwhile, only one Australian distiller, Four Pillars, received a trophy in the IWSC 2025 spirits awards, after Navy Strength was awarded 98 points and the Contemporary Gin Trophy.
The judging panel desribed Australia’s highest scoring wine, the $45 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, as follows: “Aromas of vibrant blackcurrant, praline and dark chocolate greet the senses. The velvety palate sings with blackcurrant pastille, elderberry, and a hint of sweet spice, leading to a long, juicy, finish enriched by refreshing mineral undertones.”
Trophy winners Xanadu Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (L & C), and Deep Woods Chardonnay 2023 and 2024 (R)
The full IWSC 2025 Trophy Winners from Australia includes:
IWSC 2025 Trophy Winners from AustraliaXanadu Wines – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (98) – RRP $45Morris Wines – Old Premium Rare Muscat NV, Rutherglen VIC – Trophy + Gold (97) – RRP $120Deep Woods Estate – Reserve Chardonnay 2024, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (97) – RRP $85Deep Woods Estate – Reserve Chardonnay 2023, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (97) – RRP $85Nocturne – SV Forrest Chardonnay 2024, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (96) – RRP $65Amato Vino – Savagnin Space Girls 2024, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (95) – RRP $45Happs – Three Hills Chardonnay 2023, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (95) – RRP $50Aravina Estate – Stella Bdx 2022, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (95) – RRP $90Peccavi Estate – The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (95) – RRP $150Snake and Herring – Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Margaret River, WA — Trophy + Gold (95) – RRP $65
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