Stella Bella, Shiraz, Margaret River, Australia, 2023

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

Stella Bella's viticulture philosophy is all centred on sustainable low intervention, regenerative farming principles that promote soil and vine health long term. Minimal chemical inputs and fertilisers are used and a conscious focus on vine balance is applied to pruning and vine maintenance for an optimal outcome of concentrated flavours and yield.

Winemaking

Fruit for this wine is selected and handpicked almost exclusively from our Forest Grove vineyard. Bunches with good lignification of bunch stems (or rachis) are selected for use in whole bunch (20%) fermentation. Fermentation is fast and hot to ensure fruit is off skins in close to 8 days. Pressed at close to zero Baume and transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation and maturation. French oak Barriques (10% new) support the fruit through maturation for 9 months.

Tasting Note

Dark red with vivid purple hues. Plum, star anise and cloves lead the way, lifted by a vibrant freshness from whole bunch fermentation. Subtle earthy and savoury characters add depth and intrigue. A classic cool climate Shiraz - medium bodied with a vibrant, juicy core of blackcurrant, star anise and subtle spice. Silky tannins and delicate earthiness bring refinement and balance. Whole bunch fermentation adds a savoury edge and layers of complexity, building to an intense, mouth-filling finish that lingers long after the last sip.

Food Matching

Your favourite cut of beef cooked to perfection, with freshly cracked black pepper.

Awards

Halliday Wine Companion 95 Points
The palate is fuller bodied, fleshy and ripe with supple, slightly silty, tannins. A lovely drink. 95 Points, JF, June 2025.