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Stella Bella
 
1 November 2023 | Stella Bella

Suckfizzle Chardonnay Takes Home Triple Honors at the Margaret River Wine Show

 

Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2022 has once again asserted its excellence by securing an impressive trio of trophies at this year's Margaret River Wine Show

 Best Chardonnay 

 Best White Wine 

 Best Wine of Show 


Suckfizzle Chardonnay has only entered the Margaret River Wine Show twice, in 2018 and 2023.

THE RESULT?

Winner of Wine of the Show both times.

This single vineyard powerhouse is in limited supply, do not miss you chance to secure a legend.


Crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality, the Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2022 is grown in Augusta at the most southern vineyard in Margaret River. This vineyard is influenced by the prevailing Antarctic winds of the Southern Ocean and moderated by the warmth of the Blackwood River, creating a wine of unique power and flavour.

Luke Jolliffe, Chief Winemaker at Stella Bella, shared his excitement about the wine's success, stating, "We are thrilled to have won four trophies. Recognition such as this for our single vineyard Suckfizzle Chardonnay is a testament to the whole team. The passion in farming our land with care and precision, through to nurturing the wine from grape to bottle shows a very special and cohesive viticultural and winemaking team. We are incredibly fortunate. And how good is Margaret River Chardonnay?”

Stella Bella's dedication to producing top-quality wines is not limited to this exceptional Chardonnay. The iconic Luminosa Chardonnay 2022 has also been awarded four Trophies this season from the Royal Queensland and Royal Adelaide Wine Shows. In a region renowned for producing world-class Chardonnay these accolades are extraordinary.

 

Time Posted: 01/11/2023 at 3:46 PM Permalink to Suckfizzle Chardonnay Takes Home Triple Honors at the Margaret River Wine Show Permalink
Stella Bella
 
11 April 2023 | Stella Bella

Is Stella Bella Margaret River's best kept secret?

 

The wine industry is buzzing with excitement after The Real Review, one of Australia's leading wine publications, announced their highly anticipated Top Wineries of Australia list for 2023. Making waves on this year's list is Stella Bella, we have achieved the incredible feat of being named as one of the Top 10 Wineries in Australia. Coming in at number 8 and being the highest rated Margaret River winery is an amazing achievement.

This prestigious recognition follows closely on the heels of our impressive showing in The Real Review's Wine Classification of Australia, where three of our exceptional wines were awarded a place within the classification, including the coveted top level Three Merit classification for the Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon, placing it within the top 0.5% of wines in Australia.

For years, we have been quietly producing some of the best wines in Australia, and this latest recognition is a testament to our unwavering dedication to producing exceptional quality wines. Chief Winemaker, Luke Jolliffe, expressed his pride in the team, stating, "We are absolutely thrilled to be named as one of the Top 10 Wineries in Australia. This is a testament to the passion and dedication of our viticultural and winemaking teams, who work tirelessly to produce the best quality wines possible."

This is a shining example of the quality of wines produced in the Margaret River region, and highlights the important role that smaller wineries play in the Australian wine industry. This award underscores our commitment to showcasing the very best of Australian wine.

But don't just take our word for it - visit Stella Bella and experience the magic for yourself. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality, our wines are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Stella Bella is truly Margaret River's best kept secret, but not for long. Sample southern Margaret River's finest wines for yourself.

Time Posted: 11/04/2023 at 10:18 AM Permalink to Is Stella Bella Margaret River's best kept secret? Permalink
Stella Bella
 
21 March 2023 | Stella Bella

The making of an icon...

Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon truly stands out amongst the best Cabernets in Australia. An iconic wine that has gained worldwide recognition for its quality, unique flavours, and distinctive character. It has been placed within the top 0.5% of wines in The Real Review's Wine Classification of Australia, solidifying its status as a truly exceptional wine.

But what makes Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon so special? It all starts with the location. The grapes are grown in Southern Margaret River, in the Boodjidup valley, an iconic zone that produces some of the best wines in the region. Our Luminosa vineyard has a meso-climate perfectly suited to enhancing vine balance and producing exceptional fruit. Excellent top soils and free draining sub-soils allow for dry growing Cabernet to moderate vigour.

Furthermore, Luminosa vineyard is situated at the head of the Boodjidup Valley, slightly elevated and exposed to the predominant south westerly winds that bring in the influence of the sea air. This maritime influence, coupled with the region's cooler climate, is perfect for flavour development.

We farm our Luminosa Vineyard with an attention to detail unlike no other to embraces the pristine natural environment. The winemakers and viticulturists adopt a hands-on farming, organic principles approach, which results in wines that are distinctively Southern Margaret River and uniquely Luminosa. 

In the winery Luminosa wines are wild-fermented, and have no adds, resulting in fruit purity, elegance, and complexity. Each vintage of Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon is a reflection of the land, the climate, and the winemaker's passion for producing the finest wine possible. This is one of the most remarkable aspects about Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon, its ability to reflect the character of each vintage.

In conclusion, Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that embodies the very best of Southern Margaret River. It is an iconic wine that has gained worldwide recognition for its quality and unique character. At Luminosa, we embrace the natural environment and utilise organic principles to produce wines that are truly exceptional. So, if you are looking for a wine that proudly sits amongst the best Cabernets in Australia, look no further.

Recent Awards and Reviews:

3 Merit Wine – The Real Review’s Wine Classification of Australia

  • 3 Merit Wines represent iconic wines of the country, wines of true provenance and exemplary track record. Fewer than 0.5% of wines produced achieve this tier.

Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

  • 99 Points - Stuart Knox - The Real Review, March 2022
  • 97 Points - Erin Larkin - Halliday Wine Companion 2023
  • 96 Points - Gary Walsh - The Wine front, February 2022
  • GOLD Medal - Perth Royal Wine Awards 2021
  • GOLD Medal - Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2021

2018 Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Wine of the Year - 2021 WA Good Food Guide Awards
  • GOLD Medal- 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards
  • GOLD Medal- 2020 Royal Adelaide Wine Show
  • GOLD Medal- 2020 Perth Royal Wine Awards
  • GOLD Medal- 2019 National Wine Show of Australia
  • 98 Points  - Ray Jordan, The West Australian, Nov 2021
  • 97 Points  - Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
  • 97 Points  - Stuart Knox, The Real Review, Oct 2021

2017 Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon

  • GOLD Medal- 2020 Royal Adelaide Wine Show
  • GOLD Medal- 2019 National Wine Show of Australia
  • 97 Points  - Huon Hooke, The Real Review - March 2020
  • 96 Points  - Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Real Review - May 2020
  • 95+ Points  - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front - April 2020
  • 95 Points  - Halliday Wine Companion 2021
  • 91 Points  - Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate - Jan 2020

2016 Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon

  • PLATINUM Medal +97 Points - 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards
  • DOUBLE GOLD Medal- 2019 Six Nations Wine Challenge
  • 96 Points  - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Time Posted: 21/03/2023 at 1:08 PM Permalink to The making of an icon... Permalink
Stella Bella
 
25 November 2022 | Stella Bella

Luminosa shows its world-class credentials.

A truly world class wine... Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon has officially been recognised in the top 0.5% of wines produced within Australia in the Real Review's Wine Classification of Australia.

Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded a 3 Merit Classification, placing it within the top 0.5% of wines within Australia. This comes on the back of its recent 2019 vintage being awarded 99 Points by Stuart Knox from The Real Review team.

The team at The Real Review have established a Wine Classification system to judge the quality of Australian wines. The Classification comprises the greatest wines of Australia with an outstanding track record over a decade or longer. Every wine must have demonstrated their quality in blind tastings over a period of at least a decade to have earned their place.

There are three tiers; 3 Merit, 2 Merit and 1 Merit wines with 3 Merit being the highest Classification. 3 Merit wines are iconic wines of Australia, the crème de a crème, wines of true provenance and exemplary track record. Fewer than 0.5% of wines produced achieve this tier. Most of these wines have received gold ribbons for recent vintages. Top vintages will score 98 points or more.

This has placed Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon in rarified air, now able to comfortably sit alongside the likes of Wynns John Riddoch, Cullen Diana Madeline, Mount Mary Quintet, Moss Wood, Yarra Yering Dry Red No 1 and Penfolds Bin 707.

We had two other wines that also made the Classification list:

Luminosa Chardonnay has been rated a 2 Merit Wine.
2 Merit Wines achieve gold and high silver ribbons in recent vintages, with top vintages achieving 96 points or more.

Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon has been rated a 1 Merit Wine.
A 1 Merit Wine reliably achieved gold and silver ribbons in recent vintages, with top vintages achieving 95 points or more.

To have three wines within The Real Review Wine Classification truly highlights the passion and dedication to excellence from our viticultural and winemaking teams over a long period of time.

Time Posted: 25/11/2022 at 12:21 PM Permalink to Luminosa shows its world-class credentials. Permalink
Stella Bella
 
4 August 2022 | Stella Bella

Australia's Best Chardonnay

Stella Bella Wines cemented its place amongst Australia’s greatest chardonnay producers at this year's Halliday Wine Companion Awards after being awarded Australia’s Best Chardonnay for its 2020 Luminosa Chardonnay. Margaret River has a long-standing reputation for internationally acclaimed chardonnays and Luminosa, a single vineyard wine from Southern Margaret River is no exception, joining the elite with its pristine balance of fruit, power and elegance.

Fast becoming a powerhouse for Chardonnays with winemaker Luke Jolliffe at the helm, Stella Bella also received exceptional ratings for its Stella Bella and Suckfizzle Chardonnay, both also receiving top points 5 red stars.( other inclusions or changes here)

Every year, James Halliday and his tasting panel pinpoint the best Australian wines, winemakers and wineries with the winners announced at the wine industry’s night of nights, the Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

On receiving the award, Chief Winemaker Luke Jolliffe commented “we are exceptionally proud of this wine, and for the quality and style to be recognised by James and the Halliday team, it’s truly incredible. We make this wine from a single vineyard in the Boodjudup Valley within Southern Margaret River, we are very fortunate to have such a magnificent vineyard which can produce high quality fruit.

“The wine is a testament to the entire Stella Bella team. This level of quality is what we aspire to create. That is, make wines from single sites that are unique with unquestionable quality that will evolve over time and in your glass.”

This is the third time that Stella Bella has been awarded a Varietal Winner in the Halliday Wine Companion Awards after their Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon was awarded back-to-back Best Semillon Sauvignon Blend Awards at the 2019 and 2020 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

Stella Bella has quietly garnered significant plaudits in recent years with Chief Winemaker Luke Jolliffe being a finalist in the 2020 Gourmet Traveller Wine Winemaker of the Year awards and Stella Bella being shortlisted for the Best Value Winery in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

Luminosa Chardonnay has built an impressive collection of rave reviews from some of the most esteemed wine critics throughout Australia over the last few years, adding to its iconic status.

2021 (pre-release)

  • 97 Points - Erin Larkin - Wine Advocate, July 2022

2020

  • Best Chardonnay in Australia - Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2023
  • 98 Points - James Halliday, Nov 2021
  • Halliday's Top 100 Wines of 2022
  • Gold Medal - Perth Royal Wine Awards 2021

2019

  • Platinum Medal + 97 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
  • 97 Points - Erin Larkin - Halliday Wine Companion 2022
  • Gold Medal - Perth Royal Wine Awards 2020
  • Gold Medal - Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020

2018

  • 96 Points - James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion 2021
  • 95+ Points - Gary Walsh - The Wine Front, Oct 2019

2017

  • 97 Points - James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion 2020
  • Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White Wine - National Wine Show of Australia 2018
  • Gold Medal - National Wine Show of Australia 2018
  • Gold Medal - Wine Show of Western Australia 2018
Time Posted: 04/08/2022 at 4:11 PM Permalink to Australia's Best Chardonnay Permalink
Stella Bella
 
4 June 2022 | Stella Bella

Stella Bella in the Top 20 Wineries in Australia

 

We are humbled and incredibly excited to be rated inside the Top 20 Wineries in Australia. Every year The Real Review publishes its Top Wineries of Australia list, these are the crème de la crème of Australian wineries, with rankings determined solely by the scores gained in their tastings.

The Real Review team review over 10,000 wines annually, so the competition is intense. There are over 2,150 wineries vying to be on the list and to see six Margaret River wineries inside the Top 52 this year is testament to the outstanding quality of wine produced in our beautiful region.

Coming in at number 19 this year places Stella Bella inside the top 1%, such an amazing result and great recognition of the dedication and passion of our Viticultural and Winemaking teams.

From our humble beginnings in 1996 with the creation of Suckfizzle single vineyard wines, Stella Bella is now rated amongst the best wineries in Australia, setting the benchmark for producing Southern Margaret River wines.

GOLD AWARDS

SILVER AWARDS

  • Stella Bella Shiraz 2020 - 93 Points
  • Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - 93 Points
  • Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot 2019 - 92 Points
  • Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2020 - 92 Points
  • Stella Bella Chardonnay 2019 - 93 Points

 

Time Posted: 04/06/2022 at 12:37 PM Permalink to Stella Bella in the Top 20 Wineries in Australia Permalink
Stella Bella
 
20 November 2021 | Stella Bella

Halliday Top 100 Wines 2021

Such incredible recognition of the passion and hard work that goes into creating our wines, to have two wines in this year's Halliday's Top 100 Wines. Each year, James Halliday selects his Top 100 wines, showcasing a range of varieties and price points, it’s an invaluable guide to some of Australia's finest wines.

2020 Luminosa Chardonnay - 98 Points
Top Whites over $30
"Wild fermented in French barriques; neither fined nor filtered. A very complex wine of immediate power, with a deliberately funky bouquet, then changing tack with the glorious purity and focus of the palate, white peach, grapefruit and cashew/almond combining in a single stream of joy."

2019 Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot - 95 Points
Top Reds under $40
"Cabernet sauvignon is the driver, percentages irrelevant; it's blackcurrant rather than cassis per se, but the tannins that might have bullied the merlot are in fact relaxed and accommodating. A budget-priced entry into the Margaret River castle of this blend, helped by the excellent vintage."

Time Posted: 20/11/2021 at 4:36 PM Permalink to Halliday Top 100 Wines 2021 Permalink
Stella Bella
 
19 October 2021 | Stella Bella

Wine of the Year

Stella Bella Wines has once again highlighted the quality of Cabernet to come out of Southern Margaret River, winning the Wine of the Year at this year’s Western Australian Good Food Guide Awards.

Held at Optus Stadium on Monday October 18, the WAGFG Awards seek to celebrate excellence in a range of fields. Stella Bella has taken the Wine of the Year award for their Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018.

As Mike Bennie commented “It’s hard graft whittling down 300-plus entries to 50, let alone a Top 25, but when it came to this year’s number one it’s hard to say it was close, such was the elegance, character of fruit, savoury detail, regional charm, judicious winemaking seasoning and sublime texture of our winner. A phenomenal release from a vaunted Margaret River producer, this wine delivers beauty in youth, poise and grace, but has potential for an exceptionally long life in cellar. An outstanding wine, justly rewarded.”

Stella Bella had two wines placed in the Top 5 wines with their Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2020 coming in at #5, the top-rated Chardonnay. This follows on from last year’s awards when the Luminosa Cabernet 2017 placed #2 overall.

Chief Winemaker Luke Jolliffe said that “this is such incredible recognition for Southern Margaret River cabernet and the Luminosa vineyard itself. We have a lot of confidence that the attention to detail in our farming methods and winemaking techniques creates an elegant, perfumed wine of individuality and personality. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement.”

This continues an absolutely stellar run for our Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 over the last 18 months:

  • Gold Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
  • Gold Medal - Perth Royal Wine Awards 2020
  • Gold Medal - Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020
  • Gold Medal - National Wine Show of Australia 2019
  • 97 Points - Halliday Wine Companion 2022
  • 96 Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, Sept 2021

If you would like to go on the waitlist for this incredible wine please email Mechelle bellavita@stellabella.com.au

You can view the full Top 25 wines here.

Time Posted: 19/10/2021 at 6:23 PM Permalink to Wine of the Year Permalink
Stella Bella
 
6 October 2021 | Stella Bella

Single vineyard wines are a beautiful thing

Esteemed wine writer Erin Larkin recently reviewed a vertical of our iconic Luminosa Chardonnay, we were blown away by these reviews.

97 Points – Luminosa Chardonnay 2020
“This is powerful and concentrated. The minerally precision of the vineyard remains, however, with a generous undercurrent of salted yellow peach and pink grapefruit.”

97 Points – Luminosa Chardonnay 2019
“Tighter, finer and more minerally at this point. Red apple skins and briny acidity. Gorgeous, restrained and taut. After two hours in the glass this blossoms.”

96 Points – Luminosa Chardonnay 2017
“It’s a vintage similar to 2019 in terms of climate conditions. Now four years old, this is creamy, flinty, spicy and voluminous, and very precise. Top notes of marzipan and white peach, citrus pith. On the palate, tension, but very powerful. Subtle sulphites lend back palate texture and it plumes through the finish. Complexing honey / beeswax / chalky character through the tail.”

Time Posted: 06/10/2021 at 7:15 PM Permalink to Single vineyard wines are a beautiful thing Permalink
Stella Bella
 
8 July 2021 | Stella Bella

Dual Platinum for Stella Bella at Decanter 2021

We always knew there was something special about our Luminosa and Suckfizzle wines and it appears the judges at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 agree. There were only 14 Platinum Medals awarded to Australian producers at this year's awards, Stella Bella scooped two of them.

Now in its 18th year, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world's largest and most influential wine competition. Judged by the top wine experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous judging process. Once again our wines stood out on the world stage:

Luminosa Chardonnay 2019
Platinum Medal - 97 Points
"Reveals layer after layer of bright, lean and direct flavours, such as yellow apple, green mango, peach and baking spice, augmented by a saline, mineral undertow and a delicious hint of cream towards the end. Excellent!"

Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2019
Platinum Medal - 97 Points
"Breathtaking fresh grass, spring pea, fresh honeydew melon and guava nose. Pure silk on the palate, with an effortless gloss and sheen, slippery white flowers, nettles and lime. Just lovely with a very long finish and lingering acidity."

This is the third Platinum Medal from Decanter for our Suckfizzle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon after the 2015 and 2016 vintages also took home this award.

Time Posted: 08/07/2021 at 3:06 PM Permalink to Dual Platinum for Stella Bella at Decanter 2021 Permalink