The International Wine & Spirit Competition has once again recognised exceptional quality amongst our carefully curated portfolio, with five remarkable wines earning prestigious medals in this year's competition.
At Friarwood Fine Wines and Spirits, we pride ourselves on sourcing exceptional wines from around the globe. Our dedication to quality has once again been validated at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2025, where several of our finest wines received distinguished recognition. Join us as we explore these exceptional medal winners, each telling its own unique story of terroir, craftsmanship and passion.
2021 Weingut Stenner, Spätburgunder Hechtsheimer - SILVER (90 Points)
This elegant German Pinot Noir has been awarded a well-deserved Silver medal, showcasing the exceptional quality emerging from Rheinhessen.
This elegant German Pinot Noir from Rheinhessen radiates character from its aging in used barrique barrels. With a captivating blackberry hue, it delivers dark forest fruits and delicate dark chocolate notes in a perfectly balanced experience. Fourth-generation vintner Malenka Stenner, working alongside her father Bernhard, has crafted a wine that's both intense and refreshing—best enjoyed slightly chilled in summer.
2019 Vinchio Vaglio, Barolo - BRONZE
This magnificent Italian classic has secured a Bronze medal, confirming its status as a true Piedmontese treasure.
A classic Piedmontese treasure from the challenging terrain of Monferrato, where Vinchio Vaglio has produced exceptional wines since 1959. This bright ruby D.O.C.G. Barolo presents complex floral aromas with hints of spice and liquorice, evolving with age to reveal dried flowers and balanced tannins. The warm, fragrant palate opens to an exceptionally long, soft finish—a connoisseur's wine ideal for substantial fare.
2020 Vinchio Vaglio, Barbaresco - BRONZE
Another distinguished offering from Vinchio Vaglio, this Barbaresco has earned a well-deserved Bronze medal.
Another distinguished offering from Vinchio Vaglio's sun-drenched hillside vineyards in Monferrato. This youthful D.O.C.G. Barbaresco balances delightful fruit forwardness with characteristic tannins. Several years from vintage, it's now revealing its full potential with aromas of violet, dried flowers and subtle spices, delivering rich complexity and a wonderfully soft, lingering finish that will captivate discerning enthusiasts.
2020 Sequoia Grove, Chardonnay - BRONZE
From the prestigious Napa Valley comes this bronze medal-winning Chardonnay that exemplifies Californian excellence.
From Napa Valley's renowned Rutherford Bench comes this quintessential California Chardonnay. Primarily sourced from the cool Los Carneros vineyards, it presents bright citrus notes, golden apple aromas, and pleasantly sour pineapple, balanced by warming oak-derived spices including toasted vanilla and allspice. Aged 10 months in 31% new French barriques with lees stirring but no malolactic fermentation, it achieves perfect harmony between richness and freshness.
2020 St Francis, Old Vines Zinfandel Sonoma - BRONZE
Completing our medal-winning selection is this characterful Zinfandel from Sonoma, awarded a Bronze medal for its exceptional quality.
From Sonoma County's sustainably farmed vineyards comes this characterful Zinfandel, sourced from century-old dry-farmed vines that ensure exceptional concentration and balanced acidity. St. Francis, established in 1971, has crafted a vibrant wine layered with decadent blackberry, bramble, blueberry and liquorice, alongside dried prunes and warming cinnamon and clove. Matured for 16 months in 100% new French Oak for additional complexity.
These award-winning wines are available now at Friarwood Fine Wines and Spirits. Visit our shop or explore our online collection to experience these exceptional IWSC medal winners for yourself.
