As a successful week in Margaret River draws to a close, we asked our panel of judges to reflect on the tastings and share their impressions of Western Australian wines.
Seven judges from the UK and Australia joined Sarah Abbott MW, member of the IWSC Wine Judging Committee, who oversaw the sessions. More than 200 wines were assessed, many showcasing the region’s strength in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside Shiraz and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.
Each day, judges were invited to note down wines or flights that stood out. Shiraz proved a unifying highlight, with one example in particular rising well above the rest.
“An incredible style of Shiraz, very elegant.” Vincenzo Arnese
“The top Shiraz was buoyant in style.” Andrew Caillard MW
“The top Shiraz was vibrant and spicy.” Gabrielle Poy
“We had one beautiful Shiraz that was head and shoulders above the others we have tasted this week.” Joseph Arthur
Chardonnay also confirmed its reputation as a regional star, with numerous impressive entries submitted. Rebecca Palmer remarked: “We were spoiled by the range of Chardonnays today, many fashioned in the Burgundian style, but most showing the wonderful natural freshness of the region, so refreshing in an overheated world.”
Andrew Caillard MW supported this view, noting: “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.”
The judging was not limited to classic varieties. On the second day, alternative grapes came to the fore. Annette Lacey MW observed: “A Savagnin was a standout, with strong contenders in Semillon and Chenin Blanc.” Tom Kline agreed: “Savagnin was a brilliant surprise that got the entire panel excited. It showed energy, complexity and confidence — qualities we were keen to encourage in the region’s alternative varieties.”
Ahead of the full results, due for release next week, the judges left us with some final reflections on the qualities that defined the highest-scoring wines:
“There is some common ground: a purity of fruit, sense of balance, and this lovely mountain-stream acidity that gives the wines such lift and drinkability.” Rebecca Palmer
“Purity and fruit weight, measured reduction and oak integration Chardonnay.” Annette Lacey MW
“Fruit purity that was supported, not masked by oak use.” Joseph Arthur
“Elegance, freshness, complexity.” Gabrielle Poy
The full results will be published on 2 September.