After two years of absence from judging at the IEWA, I was excited to be back in Bristol last month for the 2024 competition. As with previous years, the competition boasts a diverse and eclectic group of judges, comprising wine professionals, writers, retailers, winemakers, communicators and consumers. To use IEWA founder Alex Taylor’s own words, “The IEWA is an independent, consumer-focussed English wine competition. But more than that, it’s a celebration and a community.”
A celebration sums up a thorough and involving day of judging at the IEWA. There was an electric atmosphere in the room throughout as we tasted through a selection of wines nearly as diverse as the group of people in the room. Many first wines from new producers are entered into the IEWA, a great chance for upcoming producers to have their wines judged alongside established names and industry peers.
This year IEWA veteran Susy Atkins sat in the Chair Judges’ seat for the first time. I’ve looked up to Susy as a wine writer and communicator for many years, and it was a delight to taste alongside her again this year.
This year ten wines went on to take Gold Medals – five each were still and sparkling, and once again I’ve taken the opportunity to highlight my thoughts on the top medal winners. The overall winners this year were particularly impressive: a deep a textural sparkling rosé in Winding Wood Rosé 2020, and the superbly ripe Burn Valley Chardonnay 2022.
Photo & Bottle Shot Credit: Pete Axford
Now in its eighth year, the IEWA has done it again, shining a spotlight not only on long-established, well-known wineries but also on lesser-known producers – the stars of the future. The judging is always a blind tasting undertaken by several panels – a large, diverse and therefore thorough mix of winemakers, merchants, critics and influencers, all volunteering their time and expertise. When the results come out it is a joy to discover gems from new wineries from across the country, and this year is no different with some exceptional medal winners. I thoroughly enjoyed chairing the IEWA this year.”
Susy Atkins, Chair of Judges
As with my previous year’s coverage on the IEWA, I’ve focused here on the Gold medal winners, but the full list of all medal winners can be found over at www.iewa.uk
The Gold Medal Winners
Focus on the Overall Winners
Winding Wood Brut Rosé 2020
Burn Valley Chardonnay 2022
The goal of the IEWA has always been awarding, promoting, and celebrating the best of English wine, and while the topography of English wine creation, of consumer perception, and consumption has changed dramatically since we began this competition in 2017, those remain the active objectives.
But it’s not possible to generate the sense of interest, excitement, and ultimately attention and amplification needed to help grow the category without a really great set of wines, and every single year the English wines presented at The IEWA collectively deliver. The wines awarded by our panel this year show off the incredible breadth, range and sheer thrilling, audacious variety of styles and varieties of wine being created in England right now, and from all around the country.”
Alex Taylor, IEWA Founder
John’s Gold Medal Thoughts
Aldwick Seyval Jubilate 2022
Region: Somerset
A really appealing Seyval Blanc without the rough edges and bracing acidity you sometimes get with the grape.
Instead, Aldwick Estate’s Jubilate 2020 is pleasingly fruitful, with ripe orchard fruit, floral notes and a zesty citrus core.
What the judges thought: “Quite a rich full style for Seyval. Impressive.”
Cobble Hill Bacchus Special Reserve 2023
Region: Norfolk
When Bacchus is done right, it really sings – and the Cobble Hill does just that. With floral aromas, lime zest and gooseberry, there’s also a hint of herbs that makes it distinctive.
The palate is bursting with zesty acidity, abounding in green orchard fruits, but also undertones of tangy tropical fruit.
What the judges thought: “Elegant and refined, lovely purity and very drinkable. Pear drops and grapefruit, all in balance.”
English Oak Quercus Blanc de Blancs 2020
Region: Dorset
Not shy in the glass, the wine’s golden hues jump and leap out with a rich, fruit-forward nose.
On the palate, baked apple, white peach and nectarine are lifted by hints of caramelised pastry and vanilla spice, underpinned by lively acidity.
What the judges thought: “Really high-quality fruit and winemaking. Still young but has immense potential.”
Henners Rosé NV
Region: Sussex
Henners Rosé impresses again with its ripe red fruit concentration.
Contrasting with the depth of the fruit, there’s a lovely fresh, crisp backbone that adds excellent balance.
What the judges thought: “Really elegant and sophisticated. Stands head and shoulders above the rest for me!”
Hidden Spring Classic Cuvée 2019
Region: Sussex
This wine impressed nearly two years ago when I first tasted it, and two years on it’s developing really nicely.
Crisp acidity is countered by red apple and red fruit notes from the Pinot Noir and Meunier in the blend. The Hidden Spring is nicely bicsuity and with a roundness and richness that is not always found in the 2019 vintage.
What the judges thought: “Lots of red fruit and autolysis on the palate, and supremely well balanced.”
The Heretics Blowhorn Rosé 2023
Region: Essex
This is a profound wine, with an imprint of oak that has more of a textural rather than a flavour profile. The acidity is bright, punchy and with lots of citrus energy with the tang of redcurrant, but the mid-taste has soft cherries, peach and a twist of blood orange.
This is how I imagine rosé from Burgundy tastes.
What the judges thought: “Fantastic red fruit flavours, elegant and lengthy on the palate.”
Vagabond Dios Mio Bacchus 2022
Region: London
Lively acidity and zesty lime jump out and meld into a medley of peach, apricot and papaya with a twang of bruised fruit or cider funk.
There’s also a firm black tea tannin throughout; this is a textural and distinctive Bacchus that has so much going on and it always rewards the drinker on a second glass.
What the judges thought: “Really enjoyed this. A restrained Bacchus nose with lovely nutty notes, with perfectly balanced tannins and a ripe aftertaste.”
Vagabond Solena Orange Solaris NV
Region: London
This is one of the most unique English wines I’ve ever tasted. It’s aromatically profound, with ripe peach and stone fruit, winter spice and herbaceous tones.
The palate is fleshy and ripe, but with a grippy tannic structure as well as hints of bruised fruit, roasted nuts and black tea.
What the judges thought: “Interesting pithy, aromatic nose, with candied fruit, and a slight sherry quality. Textured, round in the mouth and complex. A fun wine!”
