In landing on our Top 25 wines for the WAGFG Wine Awards (announced in December), co-chairs Emma Farrelly and Erin Larkin talked about the tradition of Australian wine show judging that ‘seeks out the best, but leaves the proclivities of the drinker out in the cold. It is for the industry, not the consumer.’
We are, however, very much about the proclivities of taste and, as such, the question our judges answer, explain Farrelly and Larkin, is whether they would drink it, spend their own money on it and buy it again. The key question: ‘Does this offer untold joy – is it delicious?’
Joining the judging panel were Nick Ryan (senior wine writer for The Australian) and Nina Throsby (Group Sommelier for Kailis Hospitality and two-time winner of our Sommelier of the Year award). The full list is available online but here’s a selection.
Our number-one wine, hailing from Margaret River, Trait Wines ‘The 88’ Chardonnay 2023, is described as ‘nutty, complex, a bit reductive and spicy with a powerful mid-palate of yellow orchard fruit. The fruit is sourced from Karridale in Margaret River, and this lends real intensity and piercing presence. An excellent wine in every which way.’
From the Frankland River, Swinney Grenache 2024 was the highest-placing wine of the region. ‘Swinney is one of WA’s most lauded grenache producers, and for good reason,’ said the judges. ‘This wine is effortless and fresh, structural and yet still fine, pinned to the Frankland River terroir which displays as ferrous-laden structural finesse on the palate. A wine for the ages, and yet, just so good right now.’
From the Swan Valley, Henley Park ‘The Diamond’ Reserve Shiraz 2024 is described as ‘powerful and structured, with a real ferrous drag of tannin across the palate. A serious wine that makes a serious statement.’
From the Bickley Valley, Myattsfield Vermentino 2025 offers ‘aromatic lift, packed with ripe yellow fruit – baked apple, juicy pear, and a soft peach core. Clean saline lift, like sea spray on a warm beach day. This wine is youthful, sharply defined, and charged with vibrant acidity that keeps the fruit bright and the finish clean.’ Chin chin!