Stella Bella, Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia, 2020

Producer Profile

This boutique winery in the heart of Margaret River creates idiosyncratic named ranges like Suckfizzle in a low interventionist and organic way keeping their approach as simple as possible to allow their cherished vineyards to show their quality.

It is not merely in the names where these wines are memorable, as once you have tasted them you will see why Luke Jolliffe, the winemaker, continues to receive recognition and awards from around the world for wines that have that wonderful Margaret River restraint and elegance, but are bound together with a fruit purity that makes them delectable.

Viticulture

A meticulous vine by vine approach to viticulture. We respect the natural environment by a focus on modern regenerative farming and precise cultural techniques to maximise the flavour of the grapes. Regenerative farming practices assist with nutrient cycling and encourages beneficial insect species throughout the vineyard. These techniques include the use of organic fertilisers, mid-row cropping, spring plantings of buckwheat and minimal chemical inputs.

Winemaking

Whole berries were fermented in static fermenters, with gentle hand plunging twice each day throughout ferment. The wine was pressed off skins to French oak barriques (37% new), once optimal tannin extraction and fruit purity is achieved. The wine was matured in oak for 10 months, the shortest time in oak ever due to the beautifully ripe tannins.

Oak Ageing

Time: 10 Months
Type: French
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 37

Tasting Note

Warm, expansive and filled with the aromas of poached dark-fleshed plums, freshly baked blueberry muffins and sweet spices. The palate is bursting with the flavours of cinnamon and clove spiced fruit compote, chocolate fudge, cedar & vanilla. The open nit tannin structure plays a supportive and cradling role to such generously apportioned fruit.

Food Matching

Braised duck with savoy cabbage and pancetta.

Awards