Historic 100-Point Score Marks Milestone at IWSC Global Judging in Margaret River

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has officially unveiled the results of its fourth Global Judging in Margaret River, a landmark event that has cemented the region’s status as a powerhouse of global viticulture. In a historic first for the competition, a Western Australian Chardonnay has achieved the elusive “perfect” score, highlighting the extraordinary quality emerging from the region.

A Historic Achievement

Held in partnership with the Margaret River Wine Association, the 2026 judging featured an elite panel of experts, including top sommeliers, influential wine buyers, and respected writers from the UK and Australia. The event reached a crescendo when the House of Cards Ace High Chardonnay 2025 was awarded a gold medal and a perfect 100 points.

This represents a significant milestone for the organization; it is the first time any wine has attained the highest possible score since the IWSC implemented its 100-point grading system in 2019.

“It stood out for its sheer class, its depth, its complexity and its perfect balance,” said co-chair Freddy Bulmer, Wine Buyer at The Wine Society. “When Andrew Caillard MW suggested 100 points, I thought: there’s nothing more that this wine could do. We tasted it again, blind, alongside all the golds and both agreed that 100 points was absolutely justified.”

Margaret River’s Growing Global Clout

The results arrive at a pivotal moment for Margaret River’s international profile. While the region’s total export value has climbed by 5% over the past year, its popularity in the UK has surged by an impressive 38%, establishing Britain as the region’s primary export market.

For the visiting judges, these figures are a testament to the region’s evolution. “We’re at the beginning of a new chapter for Australian wine in the UK,” noted Bulmer. “We are definitely seeing Margaret River really overperforming against the rest of the country.” Emma Robinson, a wine buyer at Jeroboams, echoed this sentiment, adding: “Margaret River has really held its own. I think it’s recognised as a fine-wine region.”

Results by the Numbers

In total, the judging panel awarded more than 230 medals to Western Australian wines, including 29 golds, over 100 silvers, and approximately 90 bronzes.

• Chardonnay Dominance: The variety led the field with more than 90 medals, including 16 golds. Judges pointed to the region’s use of the Gingin clone and expert oak management as key drivers of this success.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Excellence: As the region’s other international flagship, Cabernet saw strong results, with over 60 medals awarded. Standouts included the Menzies Vineyard Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (97 points) and the Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2023.
• Breadth and Diversity: While the heavy hitters performed well, the panel also lauded emerging varieties. Sparkling wines like the Howard Park Wines Petit Jeté Blanc de Blancs NV and Idée Fixe Premier Brut 2023 took home gold, while Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc demonstrated the region’s increasing versatility.

A Future-Facing Region

Beyond the data, the judging week served to deepen the relationship between local producers and international trade. Judges participated in extensive winery visits and tastings across Margaret River, Frankland River, Pemberton, and Mount Barker, gaining firsthand insight into the unique terroir that defines these wines.

As the industry looks ahead, the record-breaking results from this year’s competition serve as a powerful endorsement of the region’s craftsmanship. The gold medal-winning wines will now proceed to the final stage of the competition: the IWSC Trophy Judging in London, scheduled for September 30.