Top honors at the 2024 London Wine Composition were awarded to Cat Among the Pigeons Fat Cat Tawny.

This Australian produced wine was recognized as the best in the world at the 7th annual 2024 London Wine Competition (LWC).

On March 18-19, respected UK Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and wine buyers convened in the Marylebone district of London. The panel of judges included five Master Sommeliers as well as nine Masters of Wine.

David Round, MW, praised the LWC, stating:

From distinguished business-orientation to the ability to magnetize Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, this competition sets a high bar for the quality of its judges.

Beans Boughton, MW, praised the flawless organization and named “Moldova” as the star region he tasted in the 2024 competition.

No less than 2000 wine brands competed for recognition in this year’s competition. The top five countries that submitted entries were Australia, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France. Nevertheless, the entries represented every corner of the globe, from Moldova to Mexico. The top five grape varieties were Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

Sid Patel, the initiator and lead of the London Wine Competition, shared:

The judges not only applauded the quality of this year’s entrants but also felt that the criteria used to judge the competition, where the wines are assessed on their packaging, design and commercial viability, as well as taste, give the awards more credibility and gravitas.

2024 London Wine Competition Winners:

The Wine of the Year is Cat Among the Pigeons Fat Cat Tawny. The wine scored 98/100 points to take top honors.

Australian Tawny Ports, also known simply as “Tawnies,” are fortified wines produced in Australia using similar methods to those used for Portuguese Tawny Ports. However, there are some key differences between the two styles.

Australian Tawny Ports are generally composed of a variety of red grape blends, for example, Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, whereas Portuguese Tawny Ports largely use native Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo). Certain Australian Port producers also employ Portuguese varietals.

The climate in Australia tends to be warmer and less moist than in Portugal’s Douro Valley, which is the primary source of Portuguese Tawny Ports. This difference in climate influences the respective grape varieties intended for Tawny Port production, making them riper and sweeter in Australia. Consequently, the wines produced from these grapes also differ significantly in terms of ripeness and flavor profile.

Both Australian and Portuguese Tawny Ports undergo aging in oak barrels, however, the maturation conditions in Australia are typically drier and hotter, with more distinct day-night temperature fluctuations compared to Portugal.

Furthermore, Australian Tawny Ports are frequently matured using a “solera” system, in which newer wines are mixed with older wines over an extended period to maintain a uniform flavor profile. Although Portuguese Tawny Ports can also be aged using a solera system, they are more often aged in barrels without blending.

The unique flavors of Australian Tawny Ports are cherished for their profound, caramel-like tastes, combined with elements of dehydrated fruits, matured oak, and nuts. These ports typically possess a viscous, syrup-like consistency, and exhibit a potent palate density. In contrast, Portuguese Tawny Ports accentuate a notable nuttiness in addition to the infusion of dried fruits, spices, and a subtle tint of chocolate.

Cat Amongst the Pigeons Fat Cat Tawny is a concoction of authentic Portuguese grapes, consisting of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz, all harvested from first-rate vineyards located in the southern expanse of Australia.

With the application of the age-old solera technique, Tawny Pine is matured in oak barrels. In this method, junior wines are methodically amalgamated with vintage ones, giving rise to a wine with an intense, multifaceted flavor profile over the course of time.

The ensuing flavor contour is marked by an abundance of matured, succulent fruit flavors, inclusive of dark berries and raisins. Complimenting these are the accents of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts. The wine’s magnificently lavish texture and an enduring, seamless finish make it an irresistible selection to be savored standalone or to accompany desserts such as a slice of tempting chocolate cake or some distinctive blue cheese.

Judging the 2024 London Wine Competition

The second ranked wine was also a Port-style wine: Mt Pleasant Wine Tawny Port Vol XXIII a non-vintage wine from the United States, 97/100 points.

The top ranked (non-fortified) red wine was Landmark 2022 Grand Detour Pinot Noir, 96/100 points.

Landmark Vineyards is a California winery located in the Sonoma Valley. Established in 1974, Landmark is known for producing high-quality, small-lot wines, with a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The winery uses grapes from various vineyards across California’s wine territories, such as the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands.

The wines of Landmark are lauded and known for their elegance, harmony, and complexity. A broad spectrum of wines is provided by the winery, which include single-vineyard choices as well as blends that exhibit the exceptional terroir of California’s wine regions.

Other top rated red wines include O’Leary Walker Wines, 2022 Armagh Shiraz Polish Hill River (Australia); Lost Wolf Wine Company, Lost Wolf 2019 Grenache (Australia); SCEV Domaine du Chateau de Meursault, 2022 Corton Grand Cru Les Marechaudes (France); and Justin Vineyards & Winery, Justin 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (US), 95/100 points.

All the leading ranked white wines were Chardonnay. The highest graded white wine is Singlefile Wines, Singlefile ‘The Vivienne’ Denmark Chardonnay (Australia), with 96/100 points.

Other top ranked white wines are Tasman Vintners, Sandy Bay Estate Chardonnay (Australia) and Trinity Hill Wines, Trinity Hill Single Vineyard 125 Gimblett Chardonnay (New Zealand).

A complete list of the 120 top ranked wines from the 2024 London Wine Competition is available at the competition’s website.

Although the LWC draws entrants from all over the world, it has an exceptional array of outstanding Australian wines. If your palate leans towards Australian wines, there are plenty of new and interesting wines to explore among the LWC Gold Medalists.

Cheers