The second tranche of IWSC judging took place in central London’s Chinatown during the last week of September.
Tasters sampled the wares of the 2020 Southern Hemisphere entries, culminating in the trophy judging at the end of the week.
A total of 1,475 medals were awarded – 1,018 Bronze, 421 Silver and 36 Gold.
Judges said Australia and New Zealand put in a notably strong and solid performance in this year’s awards.
“The sheer number of good wines coming out of Australia and New Zealand mean these countries remain a safe hunting ground,” says Alex Hunt MW.
“But it’s worth seeking out the exceptional examples, for their extra degree of excitement, complexity and distinct regional expression.”
Judge Alistair Cooper MW said New Zealand’s solid performance had fewer highs than Australia, but consistency was clearly evident.
“The pungent, supremely expressive Sauvignon Blanc typically associated with Marlborough seems to be giving way to a subtle, poised and perhaps more elegant style – guided by two superb recent vintages in 2019 and 2020,” he said.
The highest scoring New Zealand wine was the te Pā Pinot Noir Rosé 2020 with 95 points and a Gold Medal.
Trophy winners will be announced on October 12.
For a full list of wine winners, click here.
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