Margaret River

Julian Langworthy (Winemaker) "In Margaret River it’s fair to say we’re pretty lucky when it comes to lovely, even growing seasons. Yet sometimes certain seasons stand tall, and the 2018 season may just stand the tallest in my more than 20 harvests. This is single-vineyard Chardonnay from the 0.37Ha Tassell Park site in Treeton. The vineyard is interplanted with gin gin clone and Burgundian 277 clone. Whole bunch-pressed directly to new, one- and two year-old puncheons, with no settling or fining processes. Spontaneous fermentation, with the wine staying on gross lees unsulphured until September of that year. In December the wine was emptied from barrel, settled, filtered and bottled. "

95 Points - James Halliday "From Wilyabrup, hand-picked, berry sorted, wild yeast open-fermented, up to 6 weeks on skins, matured for 15 months in French oak (66% new). The difference between this and its Great Southern sibling is profound. The colour is a slightly different shade, but it's the bouquet and the wine in the mouth that march to the tune of their own drum. This is more textured, and more nuanced in its palette. The corollary is the obvious question - is the Great Southern more pure?"

Winemaker "This Cabernet Merlot packs a punch! Bright and charming, the perfume of Cabernet Sauvignon strikes you first, followed swiftly by its precise and structured palate. With its partner in crime Merlot providing the palate weight, with fruit generosity and richness.  Juicy, medium bodied and full of flavour. Red currants, cherries and blueberries fill the palate complemented by the dusty fine-grained tannin and precise structure. The refreshing acidity balances the supple tannin and red fruits that leaves you wanting more."

95++ Points, Stuart McCloskey "Whilst writing, I am sipping on a new wine from the Stella Bella stable. Otro Vino Chardonnay which and to quote them translates to ‘Other wine. Adventurous, creative, exotic, and explorative hand-crafted wines.’ I like it. In fact, I like it very much. It lacks the concentration of the Suckfizzle, but the same winemaking philosophy is matched. Sea spray, citrus and offers a lovely texture. A more detailed tasting note will be released soon. Highly recommended and should really be retailing for at least five pounds more a bottle.

Winemaker "Elegant, textural and a bit wild. Focused fruit is bound by texture and stimulates the palate. Aromas of wax, lemon & lime pith, lanoline and honeydew are backed up by the Mendoza clone punch. Chalky texture and and yellow peach flesh on the palate, with supple grip and nutty solids driving the wine through the palate. Sexy."

97++ Points - Stuart McCloskey “The years have been kind however, it’s got a bright future ahead (perhaps another five or so years). The aromas are deep, rich and savoury ranging from scorched earth, briar, leather, lead pencil, liquorice, exotic spice and a touch of menthol which intermix beautifully with ripe blueberry and blackcurrant. The palate is the truest expression of Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon and offers a lavish wash of the same blueberry and blackcurrant fruits and those who (like me) are fanatical home harvesters, will spot oodles of fennel seed. There’s warmth from the earth rather than alcohol – dried herbs and cedar too. A smidgeon of vanilla and plum… All-in-all, a particularly exquisite wine which will offer much happiness. Served with Zalto Bordeaux glassware – Decant for 1-2 hours.”

98 Points, Stuart McCloskey - tasting note coming soon.

96 Points - Nick Stock (James Suckling.com) "This has a slightly reductive edge to the nose with sliced-lemon, grilled-almond and peach character. Really fresh and pristine. The palate has a very impressive, concentrated feel with nectarines, peaches and citrus fruit. So pure and long. Drink now. Screw cap."

Winemaker: In homage to the classics of Tuscany, this vino evokes the essence of Italy. Wild fermented Sangiovese with a splash of Merlot, it is captivating and filled with charm. Vespa red in colour it oozes with scents of cherries, violets and red currants. Medium bodied and light on its feet with subtle tannin, the palate is driven by raspberry and cherry fruit. Defined by fresh acidity and savoury curves that give length, depth and lineage. Pure charisma and Italian style... Bella!

Stuart McCloskey "The palate is well-balanced on the entry with fine citrus lemon, grapefruit and just a hint of spice. Good weight and quite linear towards the finish but great persistency. Drinking now."