Stella Bella Tempranillo 2005

(tem - pra - nee - o)

Some of the most famous, most traditional and most contemporary wines of Spain are made from the “black” grape variety …Tempranillo.

The blood- plum colour implies a brooding depth of fruit. Hints of sweet spice, leather and a dusty earth perfume combine with warm red fruits on the nose.

On the palate, the concentrated core of dark savoury cherry is surrounded by juicy and soft, blood plum fruit.

The abundant and ripe fruit tannins act in sync to both focus and enlarge the palate.

REVIEWS

STELLA BELLA TEMPRANILLO 2004

written by Huon Hooke & Ralph Kyte-Powell. The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide 2007
The Spanish workhorse red grape is becoming more and more popular in Australia, but there aren’t too many emanating from Margaret River. This one is made by Janice McDonald. The Stella Bella stable also includes the Suckfizzle and Skuttlebutt wines.
Current release 2004. The nose is a tad subdued but the action is all happening on the palate. It’s well endowed with peppermint, red-berry and faintly herbal flavours which are fruit dominant and fairly tight in the mouth – almost forbiddingly so. The finish dries off rapidly and the wine is improved by food, especially aged parmesan cheese.

written by James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007 edition.
Strong red-purple; fragrant, almost flowery aroma and flavours, with hints of nutmeg, spice and cherry pip; abrasive tannins need to soften, however 92/100.

GOLD MEDAL WINNER at World International Tempranillo Competition 2006

STELLA BELLA TEMPRANILLO 2003

GOLD MEDAL WINNER at World International Tempranillo Competition 2005

written by James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007 edition.
Fragrant; exotic savoury, lemony mix, then persistent lingering tannins; as much climate and winemaking as varietal character. 89/100.

written by Max Allen,July 2005 Australian Gourmet Traveller.
TOP DROPS OF THE MONTH - RED
A robust, tannic, licorice black-strap expression of the tempranillo grape; full of blood plum and blackcurrant jube flavours. Not unlike the tempranillo from Spain's Toro region. DRINK WITH paprika-rubbed barbecued lamb chops.

written by Adam Lechmere, editor at large of Decanter Magazine, Olive Magazine (UK) May 2005
Fresh, soft woody and with a strong blackcurrant taste, this is a wine that should be opened up and quaffed, preferably outside (as is the case with so many wines) and, what's more, with a big plate of lamb kebabs and salad with a spicy dressing.

STELLA BELLA TEMPRANILLO 2002

written by Sally Gudgeon, The Age Sunday Life Magazine April 2005
This is a full-bodied, opulent style with juicy bramble and blackcurrant fruit and a lick of spicy oak. Try it with rinones (kidneys).

written by Huon Hooke, 24/01/2004 (Sydney Morning Herald)
02 Tempranillo ($28), which is remarkably powerful, rich and fleshy. Although it carries a fair whack of tannin, it's supple and ripe-tasting, with entertaining blackberry, blueberry and mulberry flavours. It's one of only a handful of good examples of this most popular of Spanish reds that I've seen made in Australia so far. It's highly recommended - and if you want to have a bit of fun, serve a bottle alongside a Spanish tempranillo and see which people prefer!

Written by James Halliday, 28/01/2004 (The Weekend Australian)
A 2002 tempranillo ($28, 90 points) from 10-year old vines has the structure and texture missing from most Australian attempts, rollicking with dark plum and berry fruit.

Written by Peter Forrestal, Feb/Mar 2004 Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine.Top 21 alternative reds.
This had great colour and remarkable power and fleshiness, but was controversial because of bitterness. In a split Pannel, Bourne and I were big fans. Bourne noted mulberry and warm earth flavours while I tasted mulberry, blackberry and blueberry flavours, marvellous depth of rich, sweet fruit and a lovely soft texture despite a high level of tannin. Bullied and stock found the concentration very good but the finish dominated by bitterness. We agreed to differ.

For tasting notes on previous vintages please contact us directly on wines@stellabella.com.au