Stella Bella, Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia, 2024

Product code: 8344

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 winemaker Jarrad Olsen, who came from Vasse Felix 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 Stella Bella Chardonnay is an annual picking of Luminosa and Forest Grove vineyard sites located in the southern reaches of the Margaret River region in order to capture strong varietal character and maintain high natural acidity.

Winemaking

Hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was cold settled for 24 hours, then wild fermented in a combination of new and old French oak barriques. Around 10% underwent malolactic fermentation (MLF) to build texture and complexity. Battonage was undertaken based on taste throughout maturation to deliver a precise aroma, line and length. The wine was matured for 10 months before bottling.

Tasting Note

Aromas of peach fuzz, Meyer lemon blossom and pink grapefruit are layered with smoky flint and subtle nougat notes. The palate is bright and expressive, showing ripe peach, nectarine and fresh lime, supported by fine texture, mineral acidity and a savoury saline edge. Precise, vibrant and elegantly structured with a long, refreshing finish.