Stella Bella, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia, 2022

Producer Profile

This boutique winery in the heart of Margaret River creates idiosyncratically named ranges like Suckfizzle with a low-intervention, organic ethos approach that allows their cherished vineyards to show their quality.

It is not merely the names of these wines that are memorable: 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 nothing short of delectable.

Viticulture

Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted on gravel soils know as Forest Grove gravelly loams. These ancient and unique soils that are specifically named after the Forest Grove area in Southern Margaret River. These soils drain exceptionally well to restrict vine vigour, allowing the fruit to ripen in the beautiful Margaret River sunshine and to cool in the refreshing afternoon sea breezes from the Southern and Indian Oceans. Stella Bella Cabernet is a blend of the best of five Southern Margaret River vineyards ranging in vine age from 28-45 years old.

Winemaking

The Cabernet is harvested at optimum fruit ripeness to enhance the violet perfume and red and blue fruit character of southern Margaret River. The fruit is handled gently, with minimal maceration to ensure whole berries and a pseudo carbonic maceration. After cold soaking, we ferment at warm temperatures of approx. 28 degrees and press based on fruit aroma, extraction and our desired mouthfeel. Maturation in small format French oak barriques for up to 12 months, where the toast and forest is carefully selected based on its suitability for each vineyards fruit aroma and flavour profile.

Tasting Note

Mulberry, plum skin, violets and blueberry leap from the glass. The fruit is front and center supported by the perfectly balanced French oak, which adds a savoury complexity to the wine. A medium bodied wine that is vibrant and elegant, highlighted by bright cherry, cranberry and blueberry at its core. Delicate notes of vanillin from the finest French Oak add subtle complexity. Fine, gravelly tannins deliver length and a salivating finish, leaving you wanting another glass.

Food Matching

Ideal with barbecued veal, lamb rack or Manchego cheese.

Awards

Halliday Wine Companion 93 Points
There’s a certain restraint and almost gentleness with cabernet from this vintage and producer. Nothing forced, just lovely fruit – all cassis and mulberries, lots of fresh herbs, a dusting of baking spices with savouriness from Dutch licorice and tapenade. Hovers around mid- to fuller-bodied, the palate covered in plentiful tannins, just a hint of green peppercorns and bright acidity. Youthful, of course, so serve with food or give this more time to develop complexity. 93 Points, JH, 2025.