Stella Bella, Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia, 2023

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

The most southern and unique vineyard in the Margaret River Region. Situated in Augusta, surrounded by the Southern and Indian Oceans and just a stone’s throw from the Blackwood River inlet. This extraordinary location is influenced by the prevailing Antarctic winds of the Southern Ocean and moderated by the warmth of the mighty Blackwood river. By day it is 4-5 degrees cooler than Margaret River and by night it is 2-3 degrees warmer. Thus, creating wines with distinct flavour, character and age-ability.

Winemaking

Individual parcels are selectively handpicked according to flavour, tannin ripeness and soil type. The fruit is kept separate, remaining in small batches, destemmed, hand sorted and gently tipped without maceration into the fermenter, ensuring a flavour profile that delivers a plush palate which is driven by Cabernet Sauvignon skin tannin. Whole berries are pressed to selected French oak barriques for malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine sees minimal racking and a hands off approach ensuring it matures in peace.

Tasting Note

Red with dark purple hues.The nose is dark and brooding with an enticing combination of red cherries, dark chocolate, dark soy and olive brine, backed with a subtle hint of smokey char. Completed by a unique mineral sea spray and nori element from the Southern Ocean. A medium to full bodied palate, brimming with red cherries and raspberries, balanced with salivating, cool climate acidity. Silky, soft tannins provide a delicate yet powerful grip, this wine is built to age. One glass will never be enough.

Food Matching

Margaret River Wagyu or Grass fed steak fillet cooled to perfection with roasted root vegetables or Lamb cutlets.