Awards25

Reviewed wines that gained awards in 2025.

Taste the Difference Bio Bio Chilean Pinot Noir

Awards25, Chile, Pinot Noir, Reviews, Sainsbury’s

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By

Simon Judge

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26 June 2025

This was a real star from Sainsbury’s Spring Summer 2025 press tasting and I knew I had to revisit it properly on its own. Sourced from the Bio Bio Valley in Chile, this wine is made by Diego Covarrubias of Viña Indómita, a respected name in Chilean winemaking and a producer often praised by critic…
North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2023

Asda, Awards25, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, Reviews

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By

Simon Judge

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25 June 2025

I first discovered this wine last year and it quickly became one of my top picks. It stood out not just in character, but as one of my outstanding wines by value. I had the chance to try the new 2023 vintage at the Asda Summer 2025 showcase, and while it still shone, I wanted…
WineGB Awards 2025

Awards25, English Wine, Welsh Wine, What to Buy, WineGB

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By

Simon Judge

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24 June 2025

The ninth edition of the WineGB Awards marked a significant milestone, with still wines surpassing sparkling wines in both entries and total medals awarded for the first time. Still wines made up 54% of the entries and won 161 medals, compared to 151 for sparkling wines. However, sparkling wines continued to dominate in terms of…
Decanter World Wine Awards 2025

Awards25, Decanter, What to Buy

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By

Simon Judge

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20 June 2025

This year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s largest and most respected wine competition, saw wines from 57 countries judged by a historic panel of 248 international experts, including a record 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine. From over 16,000 entries, 50 coveted Best in Show medals were awarded (just 0.3% of entries),…
Marks & Spencer Classics No. 37 Shiraz

Australia, Awards25, M&S, Reviews, Shiraz

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By

Simon Judge

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1 June 2025

This wine is part of the M&S Classics range, a line that draws on trusted wine styles from celebrated regions, with an eye on quality and accessibility. This 2024 vintage is from South Australia and comes with a strong showing in this year’s awards, having earned a Silver from the IWC and a Bronze from…
Renewed Curiosity of Awarded Wines

Award, Awards25, Blog

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By

Simon Judge

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1 June 2025

Before I became so deeply involved with wine through this site, I used to rely heavily on awards as a shortcut when choosing new wines. They felt like an easy, reassuring way to make decisions without having to look too deeply into the specifics. When I began mentioning wine awards more actively on social media…
Exceptional by Asda Grüner Veltliner

Asda, Austria, Awards25, Reviews

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By

Simon Judge

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30 May 2025

This Austrian white caught my attention at the Asda Spring 2025 press tasting. It stood out immediately in a strong line-up and I was keen to take a closer look before it hits the shelves. It’s already just picked up a Bronze at the IWSC and it’s easy to see why. Made by Markus Huber…
Taste the Difference Crémant d’Alsace

Awards25, France, Reviews, Sainsbury’s

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By

Simon Judge

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24 May 2025

Taste the Difference Crémant d’Alsace is made from 75% Pinot Blanc and 25% Pinot Gris from Alsace in France. This non-vintage wine sits at 12% ABV and undergoes its second fermentation in bottle, in the same way as Champagne, and is aged for 18 months on its lees. I first discovered it at the Sainsbury’s…
IWC Results Announced

Award, Awards25, What to Buy

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By

Simon Judge

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22 May 2025

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) results are out. The IWC has reported that the quality of wines submitted in its latest competition has reached new levels. Despite challenges posed by climate change, such as erratic weather patterns and reduced yields, renowned wine regions and producers continue to deliver exceptional wines. Notable names like Maison Albert…
IWSC 2025 Results

Award, Awards25, What to Buy

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By

Simon Judge

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20 May 2025

The IWSC 2025 results are now available. The very top Gold winners, each awarded a score of 97, are: tekhi – Gurjaani Wine FactoryGuremani Otskhanuri Sapere 2022Imereti, Georgia Morris WinesOld Premium Rare Muscat NVRutherglen, Victoria, Australia Bolero & CompanySabado Grand Khikhvi Qvevri 2023Gurjaani, Kakheti, Georgia Lo SparviereSylvò Extra Brut 2015Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy Georgian Wines &…
Toro Loco Superior Rosé

Aldi, Awards25, Reviews, Rose, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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7 May 2025

When you have seen Toro Loco at Aldi you would be forgiven for thinking it’s one of their brands invented just for the supermarket shelf, but it’s very much the real thing. It’s produced by NVC Bodegas in Utiel-Requena, a region just inland from Valencia in Spain. This wine is the result of a community…
People’s Choice Wine Awards Results

Award, Awards25, What to Buy

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By

Simon Judge

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12 March 2025

The results of the People’s Choice Wine Awards are out. These consumer-friendly categories attract wine submissions from all over the world, embracing all packaging formats and price points. Entries come from a wide range of sources, including importers, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and producers. The judging process is a unique blend of expert knowledge…