Results from the 2024 International Wine Challenge (IWC), one of the world’s most influential and rigorously judged wine competitions, once again place Australia ahead of all other new world producers, second overall only to France.
In the competition, Australia received 54 gold, 250 silver, and 154 bronze medals, along with 19 trophies. Both its medal and trophy count ranked Australia in second overall out of the 38 awarded countries.
The strong results bring in a much-needed bit of good news for the currently-struggling Australian grape and wine sector, especially as many producers are eyeing off re-entering into China following the waiving of tariffs.
The top performing Australian wines for 2024 were Shaw + Smith’s Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz and Robert Oatley’s The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon.
The IWC awarded the title of best Australian Red for 2024 to Shaw + Smith’s Adelaide Hills Shiraz, describing it as “scented, intense notes of eucalyptus, medicinal herbs and balsamic spice. Refreshing and alive in the mouth with blue and black fruits and a firm refreshing tannic structure.”
Interestingly, the prize of best Shiraz/Syrah in the world was not claimed by France or Australia but by New Zealand’s Kennedy Point Vineyard.
Australia’s other most notable result was Robert Oatley’s The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon being awarded the world’s top Cabernet of the year.
“Warm ripe dark fruit, spiked with savoury and baking spices, full ripe palate, offering flavours of chocolate and confit plums, with breadth and body and returning a rich tannic structure that will allow this to age for years,” said the panel.
The Shaw + Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz sells for $97 per bottle and the Robert Oatley The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon sells at $105.
A list of Australia’s Trophy winners is as follows:
International Varietal Trophy 2024 Results:
- International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy: Robert Oatley The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
National Trophy Results:
- Australian Red Trophy: Shaw + Smith Balhannah Vineyard Shiraz 2021,
- Australian Fortified Trophy: Morris Wines Old Premium Rare Topaque NV
- Australian Sparkling Trophy: House of Arras Blanc de Blancs 2014
- Australian White Trophy: Stefano Lubiana Wines Collina Chardonnay 2022
- Australian Riesling Trophy: McGuigan Shortlist Riesling 2013
Regional Trophy Results:
- South Australian Chardonnay Trophy: Sidewood Estate Owen’s Chardonnay 2022
- Western Australian Chardonnay Trophy: Pennant Chardonnay 2021
- Barossa Shiraz Trophy: Kellermeister The Meister Shiraz 2022
- McLaren Vale Grenache Trophy: Sisters Run St.Ann’s Grenache 2021
- McLaren Vale Shiraz Trophy: Gemtree Wines The Obsidian Shiraz 2021
- Tasmanian Pinot Noir Trophy: Dawson James Pinot Noir 2021
- McLaren Vale Red Blend Trophy: Mr. Riggs Wine The Chap 2018
Despite this year’s strong performance, Australia’s 2024 results reflect a notable drop compared to last year, with eight less gold medals and 49 less bronze medals.
Last year, Morris Wines swept up with six gold medals and three trophies. This year, it achieved five gold medals and the best Australian fortified trophy.
