2021 Suckfizzle Chardonnay, Margaret River

Not the easiest of vintages in Margaret River with a mix of rain, humidity and COVID-induced staff shortages producing some nerve-wracking moments. All of which, makes the arrival of this little 2021 stunner all that more impressive. Barely changes gear from the previous and much-celebrated 2020 vintage. Indeed, the 2021 retains the same level of sophistication and detail. Can be summed up in just a few words: flinty, fine, zesty, citrussy, bright and focused. Intense white peach, nectarine, lime peel, citrus blossom aromas abide; enough to get lost in. Expect juiciness across the palate with a chalky, pithy mouthfeel and mineral-like acidity which allows the silky flow of fruit flavours and quiet oak integration to shine. The result is an example of purity of expression in Chardonnay.

95 points Jeni Port Winepilot.com

The 2021 Suckfizzle Chardonnay is all about citrus zest fruit and pop rock acidity—it’s excellent and will only get better in the next couple of years. This is edgy and tense and long… Beautiful. Tight. Coiled. 130 dozen (700 vines in the vineyard limits production to around this number each vintage).

Luke Jolliffe, winemaker at Stella Bella, has taken the quality of the wines to all new heights since he took over as chief winemaker in the 2014 vintage. The Chardonnays, particularly, are united by a common thread of very high, very ripe acidity that lends an air of juiciness and freshness to the wines. The fruit expression in each of the cuvées (from the entry-level Otro Vino, through to the single-vineyard, premium Luminosa wines) is similarly concentrated and pristine, and a quick walk through the vineyards (managed organically and with a big focus on biodiversity and healthy cover crops) shows precisely why this is the case. "Great wine is made in the vineyard" is an oft-referred to statement, but it is so true. A note on the drinking windows: Margaret River Chardonnays, particularly those made from the Gingin clone, have a propensity for long aging (given the intensity of flavor, high acid and latent fruit power), however in my experience, they sing the loudest and the purest at five to seven years of age. This is due to the fact that tertiary complexity has begun to creep in, but primary fruit very much still rules the day, allowing us to see both into the future and its young self at once. A two-way window, if you will.

95+ points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

Pale and bright lemon yellow with lifts of roasted nuts, candied lemon peel and white nectarine aromatics. Powerful and driving on the palate, the fruit profile leans more into citrus with a tightly coiled minerality and acidity that is laser-like in its focus. Great length and whilst the flow is tight and linear, there's undisputed power throughout 05 NOV 2022 Drink 2022–2032

 95 points Stuart Knox therealreview.com

From the most southern vineyard in Margaret River, this wine's name alone invokes a kind of snap crackling drinkability. It's that—and more—but its power comes quietly, gently, in the form of melon, peach and citrus aromas. There's a little toasty, creamy oak influence but it's seamlessly integrated. The lemony acidity is the first thing that hits the tongue. It's this brightness—and a cool edge—that belies the concentration and intensity of fruit. Highly food friendly, it still sings after days open in bottle, and could easily age for eight years or more.

95 points Christina Pickard wineenthusiast.com

The prevailing Antarctic winds create distinction and character in this wine. Salty, sea-sprayed fruit contributes to a unique and complex oyster shell character. Salty nougat, nutty character, peach fuzz, zesty citrus and smoky oak round out the generous nose.Incredible power of fruit. Textured and mouthwatering, there is obvious chemistry between the fruit and the oak. Flavours of crushed lime, lemon and sea salt. Lively mineral acidity and layered texture. Pure, powerful and unparalleled Chardonnay. Pappardelle con misto di funghi (Papparedelle with mushroom ragù)