Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay were the top 3 varietals that entered the 2023 competition and Australia, Spain, and Portugal were the top 3 countries to enter wines.

From Greek Assyrkito to Croatian Plavic Mali, and Georgian Quervi to better-known classic grape varietals from the Old World, this year’s LWC judges were faced with a huge range of styles and varieties from most of the world’s wine-producing regions to assess and appraise. But despite the enormity of the task, their combined years of expertise and professionalism stood them in good stead and saw them efficiently sort the wheat from the chaff and winnow out the very best in each category.

1) Varietal: Savagnin / Savagnin blanc / Traminer

97 Points

Late Harvest Traminer by Fautor SRL

Vintage: 2019

TASTING NOTES

Clear, star-bright, gold color. The nose is clean, intense and youthful, with notes of candied lemon, dry apricot, tropical, dry pineapple, honeysuckle, camomile, honey, and glazed almond. On the palate, well balanced, and complex.

2) Varietal: Shiraz / Syrah

96 Points

Beresford Limited Release Shiraz by Vok Beverages

Vintage: 2015

TASTING NOTES

The wine shows an elegant Shiraz character on the nose. Nice balance and good concentration. Intensity and complexity are present resulting in a great aftertaste. With full maturity & great style.

3) Varietal: Riesling / Johannisberg Riesling / Rheinriesling / Klingelberger

96 Points

Late Harvest Rhein Riesling by Fautor SRL

Vintage: 2019

TASTING NOTES

Clear, star-bright, gold color with green hues. The nose is clean, intense and youthful, with notes of candied lemon, orange skin, peach, stony minerality, petrol, and marzipan. Well balanced on the palate, with great complexity.

4) Varietal: Sauvignon blanc / Sauvignon gris

94 Points

Once & Well Frankies Garden Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc by Pinnacle Drinks

Vintage: 2022

TASTING NOTES

Great Profile of wine. A vivid and distinctive zesty, crisp example of a wine with flavors of lime, peach and delicate melon. A fruity Sauvignon Blanc. Extremely pleasant and a very good value for money.

5) Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

94 Points

Pirramimma 2018 ACJ by Geoff Johnston Wines Pty Ltd

Vintage: 2018

TASTING NOTES

Dark plum, bramble, roasted onion skin, red fruits and some dried florals show on this nose. It feels delicate and the type of nose that will greatly improve with decanting and breathing.

6) Varietal: Pinot noir / Spätburgunder / Blauburgunder / Pinot nero

93 Points

Yealands Single Vineyard Pinot Noir by Yealands Estate Wines

Vintage: 2021

TASTING NOTES

A deep, ruby hue example. Aromatic layers of delicate cherry, plum and bright red fruit notes with hints of wild thyme. very pleasant, perfectly in balance nose and palate

7) Varietal: Chardonnay

93 Points

U. Ngumby Vineyard Chardonnay by Soumah Pty Ltd

Vintage: 2021

TASTING NOTES

On the nose, wine has more ripe peach, apricot and nectarine. On the palate wine as well pleasantly surprising with a subtle balance of stone fruits and a nice balance of freshness and complexity. The wine has a long finish.

8) Varietal: Tempranillo, Graciano/ Moristel/ Juan Ibáñez / Miguel del Arco, Garnatxa / Grenache / Garnacha

92 Points

Vin'Atus by Direct Wines Production

Vintage: 2019

TASTING NOTES

A dry, full-bodied red wine, on the nose cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, rosemary, and dark fruits. On the palate, it's off-dry, with notes of chocolate, tannins & silky, long finish.

9) Varietal: Merlot

91 Points

Merlot by Frind Estate Winery

Vintage: 2021

TASTING NOTES

Notes of plums, red berries and red current. On the palate, wine has complex sweet spices and earth aromas of drier plums and a meaty texture with ripe flavors. Smooth tannins and balanced with great structure.

The London Wine Competition is designed to applaud and award the wines that drinkers and wine lovers would enjoy choosing from a wine list of a restaurant or simply pick at a retail wine store. The panel of judges at the competition consists of Sommeliers, Wine Directors from some of London’s finest restaurants, big chain buyers, and independent merchants that have extensive commercial buying responsibility.