97 Points and a Trophy: Our Cabernet Sauvignon Turning Heads

We are incredibly proud to announce that our Butler Crest Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 has been awarded the Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, achieving an outstanding 97 points.

This wasn't just a Gold Medal. It was the highest honour in one of the most competitive classes of the show.

The Cabernet Sauvignon class attracted 206 entries from across Australia, with just 13 wines awarded Gold medals. Among a field featuring many of the country's most respected producers, Butler Crest emerged as the standout wine, claiming the Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon.

Established in 1883, the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards are regarded as Australia's most prestigious wine competition. This year's show attracted more than 2,300 wines from 440 wineries, all judged blind by panels of leading winemakers, sommeliers, wine buyers and industry experts.

The judges described the wine as showing:

"Vibrant colour with blue fruits and an inky depth. A tightly coiled palate displaying graphite, seamless structure, power and density balanced by sweet fruit."

Additional judging notes highlighted its:

• Deep crimson-purple colour
• Ripe plum and blue fruit characters
• Hints of mint and menthol
• Glossy fruit purity
• Exceptional depth and length

The result is a classic Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon with concentration, elegance and remarkable ageing potential.

What makes this achievement even more special is the calibre of the competition. Several of the Gold Medal winners came from Margaret River, reinforcing the region's reputation as Australia's benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon. To be named the best Cabernet in such a strong field is a tremendous honour.

This trophy is a reflection of the dedication of our vineyard and winemaking teams and the exceptional quality of the 2023 vintage.

Experience Australia's Trophy-Winning Cabernet Sauvignon for yourself.

✨ Available now through our online store.

Read more:

• Winetitles Media – Coverage of the 2025 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards and trophy winners.
• Melbourne Royal Wine Awards – Official results and award announcements.
• Margaret River Wine Association – News and recognition of Margaret River producers at the awards.