2022 Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot

92 pts
A fresh, quietly confident take on Cabernet Merlot from Margaret River’s cooler end – flavour-packed, food-friendly and very easy to enjoy.

Price:
Sale price$24.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 1 unit left
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Description

This is classic southern Margaret River Cabernet Merlot done right – fresh, structured and full of character, without getting too serious about it. The Cabernet brings the perfume and shape, while the Merlot adds a bit of plush fruit and easy charm. It’s a combo that just works, especially in the hands of a winery like Stella Bella who know their way around this blend.

The fruit comes from cooler vineyards down south, which keeps things tight and bright. You get all the good stuff – mulberry, plum, a flicker of dried herbs – backed by fine, dusty tannins and just enough acidity to keep it all humming. There's a little grip and savoury crunch, but it still goes down a treat.

It’s the kind of red that feels right at home with a plate of food, or just poured generously on a cool night. No need to overthink it – it’s just a really solid drink.

92 points
"Flavour, texture and detail without costing a fortune... cassis, mulberries and ripe red plums... coated with fine, grainy tannins... finishes fresh and on a high note."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

92 points - "Excellent value here folks as it promises, and delivers, flavour, texture and detail without costing a fortune. Well modulated with cassis, mulberries and ripe red plums; spicy, even a little peppery, with cedary oak, bay leaves and freshly snipped basil. Full bodied, the palate coated with fine, grainy tannins (and lots of them), yet finishes fresh and on a high note." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

91 points - "Offers powerfully persuasive aromas with Merlot’s floral, tuber and dark roses in the lead and black cherry, blackberry, spice and smoky oak. Follows in a similar vein on the palate, a good follow up, and quite the show-off in concentrated dark fruits and dark earthiness. Chalky tannins contribute to a dry, clean finish. Overall, fits the description of what many might call a gastronomic wine, one with added mid-palate tension that makes it an ideal companion at the table." - Jeni Port (Wine Pilot)

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.

Tasting Notes
Appearance
Dark red with purple hues.

Aroma
Violet and rosehip florals lift out of the glass, layered with savoury hints of dark olive and aniseed. A swirl reveals deeper notes of ripe plum and mulberry.

Palate
Medium bodied and packed with flavour. Plum, mulberry and dark olive flavours are supported by serious, gravelly tannins that coat the palate, providing structure and ageability. The fresh, natural acidity balances the tannin and red fruits for an extremely smash-able wine that leaves you wanting more.

Blend
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot.

Food
A platter of freshly shaved meats of your choice.

Drink
Now until 2030.

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Cabernet Sauvignon
Country Australia
Region Margaret River
Australian State WA
Reviewed By Wine Pilot
Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 92
91
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2022
Closure Screw Cap

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