Margaret River winery House of Cards ‘Ace High’ Chardonnay 2025 received the perfect score of 100 points, judged by a panel of world-leading critics and sommeliers.
IWSC Co-Chairs Andrew Caillard MW and Freddy Bulmer captured the excitement of the moment they landed on the landmark 100-point score.
“It stood out for its sheer class, its depth, its complexity and its perfect balance,” said Bulmer. “When Andrew suggested 100 points, I thought: there’s nothing more that this wine could do. We tasted it again, blind, alongside all the Golds and both agreed that 100 points was absolutely justified. It was an absolutely beautiful wine – absolute perfection.”
“The quality of the wines coming out of Margaret River is phenomenal (particularly the chardonnay based on this year’s competition results). It’s one of the most exciting, great value and unique fine wine regions in the world and now is a great time to be buying the wines.” said Bulmer.
As well as its perfect score, House of Cards also scooped the 2026 IWSC Western Australian Wine Producer Trophy for the second time in three years, awarded gold medals for its ‘The Royals’ Chardonnay 2025 (98 points) and ‘Kings in the Corner’ Cabernet Merlot 2024 (95 points).
House of Cards Co-owner & Winemaker Travis Wray (pictured with Co-owner Elizabeth Wray) said the result was a reflection of the vineyard’s organic, soil-first approach.
“We are beyond thrilled with this result! For us it’s a testament to organic farming and soil health. Our philosophy is simple – healthy soil translates to happy vines, which in turn grows amazing fruit. If we get this right the rest is easy.”
This year’s Margaret River judging panel brought together leading international and Australian wine voices, led by Co-Chairs Andrew Caillard MW and Freddy Bulmer, alongside UK-based judges Emma Robinson, Isa Bal MS and Joanna Nerantzi, and Australian judges Nick Ryan, Kayleen Reynolds and Loïc Avril.
The wines were judged blind at the Vasse Felix Art Gallery from 26–28 August, with more than 250 entries assessed through the IWSC’s rigorous judging process across key varieties including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.
The Gold Medal Winners
House of Cards Ace High Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 100
Credaro Family Estate 1000 Crowns Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 98
House of Cards The Royals Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 98
Menzies Vineyard Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Gold – 97
Evans & Tate Redbrook Reserve Chardonnay 2023, Gold – 97
Idée Fixe Premier Brut 2023, Gold – 96
Byron & Harold The Protocol Cabernet Sauvignon 2024, Gold – 96
Deep Woods Estate Single Vineyard Septimus Cabernet Malbec 2023, Gold – 96
Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Gold – 96
Cape Mentelle Heritage Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 96
Cherubino Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 96
Nocturne Single Vineyard Forrest Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 96
Xanadu Wines Reserve Chardonnay 2024, Gold – 96
Xanadu Wines Stevens Road Chardonnay 2024, Gold – 96
A. G. Oatley Wines Nicole Oatley Wines Cabernet Franc 2023, Gold – 95
Clairault Wilyabrup Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Gold – 95
House of Cards Kings In The Corner Cabernet Merlot 2024, Gold – 95
Lenton Brae Cabernet Sauvignon 2024, Gold – 95
Nocturne Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2024, Gold – 95
Stella Bella Wines Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2024, Gold – 95
Churchview Estate The Bartondale Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 95
Lenton Brae Southside Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 95
Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Chardonnay 2024, Gold – 95
Stella Bella Wines Luminosa Chardonnay 2025, Gold – 95
Xanadu Wines Vinework Chenin Blanc 2025, Gold – 95
Greenpiper Wines Miles From Nowhere Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2025, Gold – 95
Willespie Estate Wilyabrup Reserve Semillon 2025, Gold – 95
The landmark result came as the IWSC returned to Margaret River for the fourth consecutive year, in collaboration with Margaret River Wine Association and Wines of Western Australia through support from the Western Australian Wine Industry Partnership, an industry-led initiative supported by the WA Government.
