Margaret River 14.0% Screwcap $27 Source: Sample
Janice McDonald recently vacated her position at Stella Bella to become GM and head winemaker at Deep Woods Estate. Her partner, Stuart Pym (ex Voyager and Devil’s Lair), will be taking over now and word is he’s very happy to be doing so. Win-win situation it would seem.
This wine is very typical Margaret River Shiraz from a good vintage- elegant, savoury & understated. As much about structure as it is about flavour. Having said that, I do love the way blueberry presents on the nose and palate. Mulberry and red fruits too. Dried flowers, chocolatey pencil oak and a little pepper on the finish round out the profile of tastes & aromas.
The tannin is very prominent; at once chalky and chewy. Served this to some others blind and they guessed it as Sangiovese, and I can see why. It’s got a few similar traits, especially those tannins. And it shines with food. Kept filling out and improving on day two, allieviating any doubts I had over the balance of tannin to fruit intensity. Mark it down as another case for the worth of Shiraz in the region. Its best years are ahead of it too.
Winery Website- http://www.stellabella.com.au/