A Platinum medal has been awarded to the Dawson James Tasmania Chardonnay 2020, while a further 16 wines from Bodegas LAN, Cantina Valpantena, Casa Ferreirinha, Château Lamothe-Bouscaut, Dobogó, Domaine Sautereau, Ferreira, Gašper, Giant Steps, Kaiken, Mount Pleasant (both wines available from July), Quinta do Infantado, S.C. Pannell and Valdespino have received a Gold medal.
Please see full details of our Platinum and Gold winners below, including availability and judges’ tasting notes. For more information on the Decanter World Wine Awards, please visit the competition website.
PLATINUM MEDAL
Dawson James, Tasmania Chardonnay 2020, Australia Platinum Medal 97 points Attractive smoky nose with well-managed oak influence, explosive aromas of lime and lemon blossom, pastry and gunflint nuances. Delicate on the palate, very light and tasty, with a tangy acidity and seductive leesy texture. Current vintage: 2018
GOLD MEDAL
Bodegas LAN, Rioja Gran Reserva 2016, Spain Gold Medal 96 points The enticing, complex and focused nose displays scents of ripe plum, cherry, clove, rose, rosemary and thyme. The palate has a bright beam of acidity, ripe tannins and a lovely hint of black olives, American oak, vanilla and spice. Delicious!
Dobogó, Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2018, Hungary Gold Medal 96 points Traditional style with lovely aromas of almond paste, caramel, dried tropical fruits, orange peel and hints of mint. Very complex and elegant palate, memorable. Current vintage: 2017
Valdespino, Premium Collection, Amontillado `Tio Diego` Pago de Macharnudo NV, Spain Gold Medal 96 points Lifted nose with intense aromas of treacle, fresh hazelnuts, sea shells, crushed lemon peel and smoky nuances. Refreshing, with a fine viscous texture, smooth finish.
Kaiken, `Aventura` Los Chacayes Sur Malbec 2021, Argentina Gold Medal 95 points Fresh nose of charming dark cherry and herbal nuances. Lovely concentration of dark fruit and mineral flavours on the palate. Vibrant, with firm tannins. Long finish. (Available from August 2023)
Giant Steps, `Applejack Vineyard` Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021, Australia Gold Medal 95 points Quite complex and perfumed bouquet of lovely woody notes, ripe raspberry fruit and hints of smoky bacon. Silky and precise, with gentle tannins.
Mount Pleasant, `Lovedale` Hunter Valley Semillon 2017, Australia Gold Medal 95 points Beautiful nose, glowing with life. Classic toast aromas and lime marmalade with touches of cider and savoury herbs. Soft textured palate, with a long nutty finish. (Available from July 2023)
Mount Pleasant, `Old Paddock & Old Hill` Hunter Valley Shiraz 2019, Australia Gold Medal 95 points Restrained on the nose, with aromas of subtle red fruits and mulberry, refined notes of cinnamon bun and cocoa. Powdery tannins, showing tension on the palate. (Available from July 2023)
S.C. Pannell, `Smart Vineyard` Clarendon Grenache 2020, Australia Gold Medal 95 points Fragrant aromas of bright ripe red berries, with notes of flowers and aromatic herbs. Juicy on the palate, lively and energetic, with an earthy finish.
Château Lamothe-Bouscaut, Pessac-Léognan 2018, France Gold Medal 95 points Caramelised blackberries, pencil shavings, and lifting balsamic on the nose. Full-bodied, robust spicy tannins, with elegant integration and excellent concentration. Dense black and blue jammy fruit, cassis, and black cherries, with meaty complexity and chocolate overtones.
Domaine Sautereau, Sancerre Rosé 2022, France Gold Medal 95 points Stunning floral aromas underpinned by a core of sumptuous red fruit, with a soft pillow of velvety tannins, a strawberry acidity and a deliciously long finish.
Dobogó, `Úrágya` Tokaji Furmint 2019, Hungary Gold Medal 95 points Well layered aromas of stone and exotic fruits, with subtle hints of minerality and salty nuances. Lovely texture on the palate, complex mouthfeel.
Cantina Valpantena, `Torre del Falasco` Amarone della Valpolicella 2018, Italy Gold Medal 95 points Very traditional and classic aromas of mushrooms, tobacco leaves, black olives, chocolate and maraschino cherry. Warm, with well managed tannins and a long elegant finish.
Casa Ferreirinha, `Vinha Grande` Douro Tinto 2020, Portugal Gold Medal 95 points Nutty aromas on the nose, with rich blackberry fruit and dark plums, hints of leafy undertones and lavender. Well-judged oak on the palate, dry finish.
Ferreira, `Dona Antónia` 20-Year-Old Tawny Port NV, Portugal Gold Medal 95 points Thyme and smoky wood aromas, a creamy style to the palate with toffee and a citrus twist of refreshment.
Quinta do Infantado, Vintage Port 2017, Portugal Gold Medal 95 points Lovely open ripe berry fruit with underlying chocolate intensity. Refreshingly sappy and herbaceous with notable extract and body with well resolved tannins. Intense, seductive, and sexy!
Gašper, Cabernet Franc 2020, Slovenia Gold Medal 95 points Inviting violet, bell pepper, loganberry and raspberry leaf aromas. The palate has lovely juicy fruit, a welcome freshness and well-handled oak. This is a refined and beautiful varietal expression with a long, spicy finish.