Stella Bella Margaret River Shiraz 2022

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.