2023 Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot

An energetic, mid weighted Cabernet Merlot with red fruits framed by bright acidity and slightly chalky tannins.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Dense midnight black heart with a vibrant purple red hue. Sailing through the nostrils with ample intensity are youthful ripe red currant and mulberry scents followed by some vanillin cedar, tobacco, earth and bay leaf notes. The energetic mid weighted palate features juicy red currant and mulberry fruits framed by bright acidity and slightly chalky, fine grained tannins. Cedary tobacco, spicy dried herb and dusty earth elements lie underneath. Dryish yet well fruited conclusion.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
A streamlined, linear Cabernet Merlot that hails from the southern end of Margaret River and offers some pretty sharp value for money. That’s one penetrating aroma, all spearmint, dried herbs, rosemary, jalapeño and baking spices married to the ripest blackberries. What starts off well-structured and a little closed doesn’t take too long to open up. After a few swishes of air, it’s more upfront with a middle palate of sweet ripe fruits in blackberry and dark plum, black cherry bright with graphite, pencil lead oak. This is one Cabernet Merlot fully dedicated to black fruits, dried herbs and an earthiness that speaks of the region’s Aussie bush environment. Tannins are well-built, ensuring more time in bottle should you wish. Drink 2025-2029.
92 Points
Jeni Port – WinePilot.com

If you’re looking for a wine of both structural integrity and flavour, at a better-than-fair price, then look no further. This is excellent buying. It tastes of blackcurrant, chocolate, gum leaf and licorice, and once it’s had a chance to breathe it feels both buoyant with fruit and decidedly sturdy. This is a very good release of Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot. Drink 2025-2031+
92 Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front