The Decanter World Wine Awards in London is the world’s most influential wine show, with wine judges tasting 18,000 of the world’s finest wines. Only 50 wines are awarded Best in Show.
To get to this level, wines must first go through two rounds of blind tasting and three separate approvals by a regional panel, a Co-Chair, and another panel during Platinum judging, before a fourth tasting and sign-off.
In 2024, two of the top 50 were from Margaret River: Fermoy Estate’s 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Stella Bella’s 2022 Luminosa Chardonnay. It’s an extraordinary achievement and testimony to the quality of wines coming from Western Australia’s globally renowned wine region.
Fermoy Estate
2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermoy Estate’s is located in Wilyabrup, considered by many as the ‘golden triangle’ of Margaret River, growing mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Shiraz. Fermoy was one of the original
Established in 1985 by John and Beryl Anderson, the first vintage was produced in 1988. In December of 2010, Perth brothers Aaron and John Young became the new owners. All grapes are harvested by hand.
Jeremy Hodgson was appointed Senior Winemaker in 2015. With a first-class degree in oenology and viticulture, Jeremy has worked with various Western Australian wineries, including Houghton, Goundrey, Plantagenet, Cherubino Consulting and Wise Wines.
The wine
Taking home the Best in Show award, Fermoy’s 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has been described by judges as an easy-drinking, blackcurrant-heavy red, with an opaque black-red colour. You can get your hands on this award-winning bottle here.
Stella Bella
2022 Luminosa Chardonnay
Rated amongst the best wineries in Australia, Stella Bella pride themselves on continuously evolving to create beautiful wines that create a memorable wine experience. Headed by chief winemaker Luke Jolliffe and viticulturist James Hayward, Stella Bella create their award-winning wines with grapes sourced from five vineyards across southern Margaret River.
The wine
Stella Bella’s 2022 Luminosa Chardonnay is the fourth Margaret River Chardonnay in five years to win Best in Show at the Decanter Awards. Described as a pale green-gold in colour, this wine is said to have a zesty citrus palate with a floral aroma that’s guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.
While the 2022 Luminosa Chardonnay has sold out, you can register here to be the first to know when their much-anticipated 2023 vintage becomes available.
WA Winery Guide