2022 Stella Bella Shiraz 12 Pack

95 POINTS

Jeni Port - Winepilot

So far, the ’22 vintage in Margaret River rules. I am seeing so many lovelies emerging that it’s hard to know what to buy first on what is becoming a very long list of possibilities. But Stella Bella ’22 Shiraz is up there, not least for its utter vibrancy and energy. It’s a go-go kind of wine from first sniff to last mouthful. Intense purple colour sets the scene. Blackcurrant, aniseed, black fruits, raspberry, bitter chocolate and spice, luscious and inviting, invade the senses. It fairly bounces and shakes in youthful exuberance. Little pops of peppery spice appear on the middle palate against a background of Aussie bush notes, black fruits and warm, woodsy oak before closing firm in fine, sinewy tannins.

95 POINTS

Jane Faulkner - Halliday Wine Companion

Gosh, the colour is so intense and enticing – dark purple shot with garnet, and as with all good shiraz, this is highly aromatic. Expect florals, baking spices, licorice and a hint of cedar. It’s full of dark fruit, really lovely fruit flavour as the palate fleshes out with raw silky tannins and a touch grippy in a good way. There’s a succulence and lovely acidity, and it finishes long and complete.

94 POINTS

Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Whoops. I thought it was the 2020, but look, it’s the 2022! Black and red fruit, spice, liquorice, floral perfume, discreet oak. It’s fleshy, plump, balancing richness of fruit, some meat and black olive flavours, and fresh acidity, a lovely density and chew to tannin, and a ferrous and long finish that rolls on. Very impressive. Beautifully made. Love the texture of it.

93 POINTS

Huon Hooke - The Real Review

Deep and bright purple colour; very fresh bold and slightly raw aromas of plum and subtle spices, likewise the palate is bright and bold with stacks of fresh young shiraz flavour, soft tannins and lovely balance, medium full length. Already drinking well thanks to its satiny texture: it's remarkably approachable.

91 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2022 Shiraz is, as this wine usually is, incredibly aromatic. Raspberry coulis, cherry seeds, black pepper, dark chocolate and blackberry mingle as one. In the mouth, the tannins are powdery and ductile, a real treat from a warm vintage like 2022. This is lovely. It kind of has a milk-chocolate flow to the texture—seamless. Good. 14.1% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Ned Goodwin - JamesSuckling.com

There is less shiraz in these parts than there once was. I'm not certain if that is because of the region's better suitability to cab, or because few knew how to make it. Solid. Cooler climatic notes of iodine, cloves, green olives and red fruits, with a skein of peppery freshness and maritime salinity. Perky. Distinctly medium-bodied and gently ferrous. The finish, a bit hard and reductive, too often the bane of contemporary expressions.