2023 Stella Bella Chardonnay, Margaret River

In a way, this is a bit of a sleeper. Slow to unfurl even if it immediately tastes delicious with its pink grapefruit, citrus rind and fresh ginger tang. Mouth-watering sulphides make an impression as the invigorating acidity surfaces, curling across the palate. Savoury, spicy, a little creamy yet flinty and fine, too. It’s tightly wound; let it breathe to reveal its detail or give it another year or so in the cellar. Either way, this is very good.

95 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Bright light-mid yellow with a strong smoky sulfide bouquet; struck flinty almost to the point of eletrical fire. These aired off with time in the glass revealing more grapefruit. The wine is intense, compact and bracing with lively acidity and fresh, crisp, cool-grown grapefruit flavours, the finish long and tensioned. A very impressive young chardonnay which is doing the full Coche-Dury act but has the intensity and acidity to make it work. 01 MAY 2024 Drink 2024–2031

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Stella Bella Chardonnay from Margaret River is a finely crafted, textural white that perfectly captures the coastal elegance and bright complexity this region is renowned for. Sourced from premium vineyard sites across southern Margaret River, this wine delivers a balance of pristine fruit, flinty minerality, and subtle savoury depth—all hallmarks of the region’s modern Chardonnay style.

The vineyards benefit from the moderating influence of the Southern Ocean, where cool nights and warm days create a long growing season ideal for Chardonnay. The fruit is picked at optimal ripeness to retain natural acidity and vibrant flavour, then gently whole bunch pressed to preserve delicacy and aromatic lift.

Fermentation is wild and takes place in French oak barriques, with a portion undergoing full malolactic fermentation to add creaminess and structure. The wine is matured on lees with regular stirring to build texture, complexity, and length without sacrificing purity or freshness.

In the glass, expect aromas of white peach, lemon curd, toasted cashew, grapefruit zest, and a hint of struck match. The palate is layered and beautifully poised, with stone fruit and citrus supported by a creamy mid-palate and a savoury, mineral-driven finish that lingers with finesse.

Stella Bella Chardonnay is a standout Margaret River white—elegant and expressive with the kind of tension and texture that make it equally suited to cellaring or enjoying young alongside dishes like roast chicken, grilled lobster, or creamy risotto.