2023 Stella Bella Chardonnay

This is classic southern Margaret River Chardonnay, with just the right amount of polish.

The 2023 Stella Bella is made from hand-picked Gin Gin clone fruit, whole bunch pressed, and wild fermented in a mix of seasoned and new oak. That winemaking detail matters – but what really counts is how it all comes together in the glass.

It’s taut and savoury up front, with those flinty sulphides you either love or eventually learn to. But give it a bit of air and the fruit really kicks in – all peach, grapefruit and almond meal, with a salty edge that’s pure coastal Margaret River. It’s not a big, buttery Chardy, but it’s not shy either. There’s flavour, drive and plenty of complexity tucked in for the price.

You could drink it now with pork belly or roast chicken and be very happy. But it’s also got the bones to go a few years in the cellar if you’re that way inclined.

95 points
"Pink grapefruit, citrus rind and fresh ginger tang... savoury, spicy, a little creamy yet flinty and fine... tightly wound."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

95 points
"Struck flinty almost to the point of electrical fire... cool-grown grapefruit flavours... long and tensioned... very impressive young chardonnay."
- Huon Hooke (The Real Review)

93 points
"Peach skin, Meyer lemon, grapefruit, quince tart, nectarine... cashew nuttiness and buttery overtones... elegant and fresh."
- Jeni Port (Wine Pilot)

93 points
"Lemon peel, lime zest, apples and flint... laser-like acidity... notes of grapefruit, mandarin rind and river stones."
- JamesSuckling.com

92 points
"Salty and gently reductive... curry leaf and salted nuts... lovely juicy acidity... brilliant value for money."
- Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)