Stella Bella Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Sauvignon Blanc is alive and well in Margaret River. No longer interested in twisting itself into a Marlborough-like facsimile, it’s happy in its own skin. Exhibit A: here is a Sauvignon that is round, warm, textural and expressive. The grape’s methoxypyrazine levels (ie. green herbals) have been turned down in volume and, instead, we see that Margaret River plushness in citrus, quince, dusty apple and gentle lemon balm, thyme herbals turned up. The winemaker has chosen to highlight the bright, zesty fruit tingly side of the grape with elegance and style, rather than go into herbaceousness overdrive. I definitely prefer this side to the grape.