Stella Bella: A Happy Surprise
I had seen Stella Bella wines in wine stores but not ever tasted them. During my trip around Margaret River, I took the opportunity to visit their mothership (aka cellar door) as I had heard good things about this winery and their array of wines across multiple brands and different price points.
While I opted for the Icon and Museums Wines tasting, my travelling companion took on the Core and Limited Series tasting, which meant that we covered nearly half of the portfolio. It was also a perfect opportunity for me to indulge in two vertical tastings.
Suckfizzle 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
I was slightly dubious about tasting this wine when I heard that it had been aged in 60% new oak for 14 months but I was pleasantly surprised. Composed of 61% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2014 displayed surprising freshness for its age – green leaf, chervil, candied pineapple, white grapefruit, lime and a touch of dust. The oak did not smother the fruit; instead, it gave the wine structure. It was definitely rounder in the mouth than the 2023. The finish was all about lime (that aged Semillon characteristic).
Rating: Okay Price: AUD 76
Suckfizzle 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine was the highlight of the two flights. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged from 24 months in French oak, it had layered complexity. Aromas of black molasses, leather and a whisper of tar framed a core of dried fruit – fig, prune, blackberry, cranberry and black currant. There was a touch of bay leaf and then the rich tomato passata kicked in, instantly transporting us to an Italian kitchen on a winter’s night. The tannins had mellowed beautifully and perfectly integrated into the wine’s texture.
We found ourselves talking about the dishes to have with this wine – a slow-cooked osso buco or a ragu that had been simmered for hours. This wine is drinking gloriously now and my travelling companion bought a bottle to drink with her husband when they celebrate his birthday later this week.
Rating: Bloody Delish Price: AUD 140