Nose
An expressive, complex nose with svelte aromatics – notes of orange blossom, peach,
camomile and biscuity roasted hazelnut, with subtle smokey, flinty aromas from the finest
quality French oak.
Palate
The palate is tight and focused – the result of another perfect vintage here in Margaret River.
A real citrus assortment of lemon and lime highlighted with a delicious grapefruit brûlée. The
textural finish has a lingering nuttiness and complexity from the battonage, enhancing the
signature length of flavour which shows great persistence.
Growing Conditions
Margaret River experienced one of its warmest vintages on record, on a par with the very
warm 2011 vintage. Whites were all harvested quickly and looked exceptional. Flavours were
bright and fresh with natural acidity high and in good balance. The red harvest benefitted
from mild conditions throughout March and April which enabled tannin and flavour maturity
to catch up to the high sugars prior to harvest. Once again the weather gods were on our side
for a classic Margaret River vintage.
Winemaking
All the individual vineyards that contribute to the Stella Bella Chardonnay were vinified
separately. Most batches were hand-picked at between 12.0 to 13.3° Be and cooled
overnight before whole bunch pressing to extract free run juice only. Fermentation occurred
in a combination of new and older Burgundian oak, with a maximum of 20% new oak in each
batch. Fermentation temperature was controlled between 25°C to 26°C and the lees were
stirred regularly from the end of fermentation and throughout the malo-lactic fermentation.
After 12 months in barrel the wine was blended to tank and held for 6 months prior to fining,
filtration and bottling.
Appearance
Vivid pale straw
Food Pairing
Salad of warm duck, orange, watercress and hazelnut.
