Stella Bella, Margaret River
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
We’re staying in a Malbec cabin at the beautiful Chambré Estate in Margaret River. Fortunately for us, Stella Bella’s cellar door is just across the road. We skip across the highway for an afternoon of premium tastings.
Established in 1997, Stella Bella quickly ascended to the echelons of excellence, building a reputation for small-batch, single-vineyard wines that epitomise the region’s essence. Stella Bella, meaning “star” and “beautiful” in Italian, encapsulates the winery’s commitment to creating wines that are both stellar in quality and breathtakingly beautiful in expression. Every bottle is a celebration of balance, finesse, terroir and craftsmanship.
The cornerstone of Stella Bella’s philosophy is respect for the land. With sustainable viticulture practices, the team ensures minimal environmental impact while maximising the vineyards’ potential. Hand-harvesting, small-batch fermentation and the use of wild yeast are just a few of the ways in which Stella Bella transcends convention to achieve excellence.
After several pics of the sprawling vineyards, we settle into an Iconic & Museum Tasting (AUD 20) with Gary from the cellar door. We have the unique opportunity to partake in several vintage and vineyard comparisons, which is a very informative experience for wine nerds like us. Under the lead of winemaker Luke Joliffe, Stella Bella produces several labels. We taste varietals from the namesake Stella Bella, Suckfizzle and Otro Vino.
Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon: A Vintage Comparison
Suckfizzle Vineyard, Margaret River’s southernmost estate, draws its name from a perpetually tipsy and contented character in a French fairytale—a fitting namesake for a region where several wines embrace a distinctly French style. Beyond Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sangiovese (a nod to the winemaker’s Italian passion), the vineyard excels with its Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends.
Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023 (AUD 50): This vintage, aged for 10 months in 40-45% new French oak, presents a savoury, nutty profile, a departure from typical vanilla notes. While subtle gooseberry undertones exist, lemon zest dominates, evoking a New Zealand sensibility with added complexity. Unusually for a Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend, this possesses the structure for potential aging of up to two decades. Its bright acidity and nuanced flavours make it an excellent pairing for ceviche or grilled fresh white fish.
Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2011 (AUD 50): Adorned with a label reminiscent of Monty Python’s quirky humour (a winged foot), the 2011 vintage exhibits a deeper golden hue and pronounced honeyed notes. This blend, comprising 54% Semillon and 46% Sauvignon Blanc, leans towards a French Bordeaux Blanc’s richer, creamier style. Its developed character would go beautifully with a selection of intensely flavoured, creamy cheeses.
Chardonnay Vineyard Comparison: Stella Bella Luminosa vs. Suckfizzle
Comparing two distinct expressions of Margaret River Chardonnay from the 2023 vintage reveals the influence of terroir and winemaking choices.
Stella Bella Luminosa Chardonnay 2023 (AUD 110): Sourced from a slightly warmer climate, the Luminosa offers a profile dominated by stone fruit, particularly nectarine. The oak influence is more restrained, with 25% new oak lending structure rather than overt flavour. A subtle salinity, a whisper of the nearby Indian Ocean, complements the wine’s elegant perfume. While maintaining a pleasing acidity, a delicate buttery richness unfolds on the palate, hinting at a slightly riper style that suggests graceful aging potential. The oak serves as a framework, allowing the inherent fruit purity to shine through. It’s one of the most elegant tasted on this trip.
Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2023 (AUD 110): In contrast, the Suckfizzle, hailing from the cooler southernmost vineyard, presents a more citrus-driven character with prominent lemon and lime notes. The oak, while also 25% new, displays a more pronounced, almost charred quality that harmonises with the zesty fruit. Flinty notes, derived from the oak and the use of whole bunch pressing and wild yeast fermentation, add complexity. A subtle salinity, a trace of the Southern Ocean’s influence, provides a further layer of intrigue. This Chardonnay exhibits a leaner, more mineral-edged profile, suggesting a different trajectory for aging.
Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Comparison: Stella Bella Luminosa vs. Suckfizzle (2022)
Similar to the Chardonnay comparison, two distinct expressions of 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stella Bella’s vineyards reveal nuanced differences in terroir and winemaking philosophy.
Stella Bella Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (AUD 110): Crafted from meticulously selected fruit, representing not only the finest block but also the most exceptional sections within it, the Luminosa emphasises fruit purity. Employing some large-format vats, the winemaking approach prioritises the inherent character of the Cabernet Sauvignon over overt oak influence. The resulting wine showcases vibrant notes of sweet mint, tobacco, plum, and dark berries, culminating in a dry finish.
Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (AUD 100): In contrast, the Suckfizzle vineyard, characterised by its low yields of small, tightly packed, hand-picked bunches, gives a more intense expression. Oak imparts sweet and chocolatey notes. A distinctive “nori” or dried seafood character adds a savoury complexity alongside classic tobacco nuances and a dry finish.
Curious Note: In Australia, a wine can be labelled as a single varietal, even if only 85% of that grape is used in the final blend.
Otro Vino: A Taste of the Mediterranean
The Otro Vino label explores alternative grape varieties for the region, with a particular focus on Spanish and Italian grapes. This reflects the winemakers’ appreciation for the wines of that part of the world, coupled with a deliberate approach to using less oak.
Otro Vino Rosé 2024 (AUD 29): This Provençal-style rosé offers a dry, pale expression crafted from a blend of Tempranillo and Sangiovese, with the specific proportions adjusted each vintage. Its refreshing profile makes it a versatile and food-friendly choice.
Otro Vino Tempranillo 2024 (AUD 36): The 2024 vintage presents a youthful and vibrant character. Expect bright cherry notes complemented by a subtle spicy nuance, likely from a touch of Shiraz. Underlying dark fruit flavours and an earthy quality speak to the property’s unique terroir.
Whether you’re staying just across the road like us or further away, Stella Bella is worth the detour. There’s something for seasoned connoisseurs and curious newbies to discover at Stella Bella and friendly staff to meet your level of interest.
Reasons to visit Stella Bella, Margaret River: friendly cellar door staff; options for entry-level and premium tastings; we love their elegant approach to Chardonnay and appreciate the exploration of Mediterranean grapes in the Otro Vino label.
Stella Bella, Margaret River
205 Rosa Brook Rd, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
Link to Stella Bella on Google Maps
www.stellabella.com.au
+61 8 9757 6377
Stella Bella Cellar Door Hours
Daily: 10 am – 5 pm
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