Margaret River Shines at the Decanter World Wine Awards
The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) have once again highlighted the excellence of the Margaret River region, with two of our local producers receiving the prestigious Best in Show Trophies. This recognition underscores the exceptional quality of our winemakers and unique terroir of the region, positioning it among… the world’s finest wine-producing areas.
About the Decanter World Wine Awards
The DWWA is one of the most respected wine competitions globally, with over 18,000 wines assessed by leading experts. Achieving a Best in Show medal is the pinnacle of success, reserved for the top 50 wines that demonstrate extraordinary quality and distinct character. The rigorous judging process involves multiple rounds of blind tastings and evaluations by regional panels and Co-Chairs, ensuring only the best wines make it to the top.
Stella Bella Luminosa Chardonnay 2022
Stella Bella's Luminosa Chardonnay 2022 has earned a place among the elite, winning the Best in Show Trophy. The judges praised its pale green-gold color and ultra-lean citrus-and-matchstick aromas, which epitomize the cutting-edge style of Australia's finest Chardonnays. The palate is a harmonious blend of zest, pith, and citrus purity, evolving with floral notes and subtle oatflake nuances over time. This wine showcases the exceptional quality of the 2022 vintage and cements Stella Bella’s reputation as a producer of world-class Chardonnay.
Judges' Comments: “The fourth Margaret River Chardonnay in five years to win a place in our Best In Show selection confirms what most in the world already knew – that this region is a source of world-class Chardonnay. It’s also the second year running when a Margaret River Chardonnay from the fine 2022 vintage has impressed our judges. It’s a pale green-gold in colour, and its fine-spun, spotlessly clean, ultra-lean citrus-and-matchstick aromas are right on the zeitgeist for Australia’s Chardonnay vanguard. The palate delivers what those aromas promise: a crunchy freshness squeaking with zest, pith and citrus-laden purity. Give it time in bottle (or in the glass after you’ve poured) and you’ll discover quiet floral notes and a subtle oatflake breadth to keep you coming back to the glass.” 97 points
Luke Jolliffe Chief Winemaker Luke Jolliffe has been instrumental in steering Stella Bella to new heights. I believe the only thing rivaling the quality of Luke’s wines, is his excitement and enthusiasm for making them! With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Luke has crafted wines that reflect the unique terroir of Margaret River while pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence. His commitment to quality and sustainable practices ensures that each bottle from Stella Bella is made with a forward looking personality, while maintaining its true expression of region.
Only 12 bottles available at Lamont’s Wine Store Cottesloe!
Fermoy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
The Fermoy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 has also secured a Best in Show Trophy, highlighting the synergy between Cabernet Sauvignon and Margaret River. This wine boasts an opaque black-red color and pure, restrained aromas of blackcurrant with hints of bush and scrub, delivering a concentrated and refined palate. The judges were impressed by its balance, nuanced flavors, and elegant structure, making it a standout example of the 2020 vintage.
Judges' Comments: "Do Cabernet Sauvignon and Margaret River go together? Well, it’s the fourth time that the combination has been featured in our Best In Show selection – so yes, they do. Three of those laureates, intriguingly, have come from the high-quality, low-quantity 2020 vintage – and if this wine is anything to go by, it’s a vintage which is taking its time to reach even early maturity. This wine remains an opaque black-red in colour, with admirably pure and restrained aromas of shapely blackcurrant lent freshening complexity by bush and scrub notes – a single sniff is transporting. The wine is concentrated and refined on the palate. Not merely fruity, though there is plenty of that ‘noble’ blackcurrant to enjoy, but the fruit is lent shade and nuance by the biotope allusions evident on the nose. The tannins and acids are measured and proportionate; the ripeness well-judged; and the wine moves through the mouth with easy, drinkable grace." 97 points
About the Winemaker: Jeremy Hodgson Senior Winemaker Jeremy Hodgson leads Fermoy Estate with a dedication to producing wines that embody the essence of Margaret River. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the region's terroir, Jeremy has crafted award-winning wines that garner international acclaim. His meticulous approach and passion for winemaking have been pivotal in Fermoy's success, particularly in the creation of their renowned Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sometimes, things just work out. Jeremy Hodgson will be hosting a lunch, masterclass, and dinner on Sunday the 7th of July with us at Lamont’s Wine Store Cottesloe!
Sunday July 7th
Fermoy Estate Lunch, Masterclass and Dinner hosted by
Senior Winemaker Jeremy Hodgson
Lunch: 12-3pm, 11 Wines & 4 courses $160
Masterclass 4-6pm, 11 Wines with nibbles $85
Dinner: 6:30pm, 11 Wines & 4 Courses $160
15 Wines Including a 6 vintage vertical of The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
We firmly believe that Margaret River is one of the great wine producing regions in the world, the recognition of Stella Bella and Fermoy at the Decanter World Wine Awards is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of our local winemakers. Their success not only re-affirms our thoughts, but it puts Margaret River in the spotlight showcasing the region's ability to produce some of the world’s finest Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons.