Margaret River winery Stella Bella Wines has once again highlighted the quality of cabernet produced in the south of the wine region, winning the Wine of the Year at this year's Western Australian Good Food Guide Awards.
Stella Bella secured the top honour at the awards ceremony in Perth on Monday for their Luminosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018.
Chief Winemaker Luke Jolliffe said the result was "incredible recognition" for Southern Margaret River cabernet and the Luminosa vineyard itself.
"We have a lot of confidence that the attention to detail in our farming methods and winemaking techniques creates an elegant, perfumed wine of individuality and personality," he said.
"We're incredibly proud of this achievement."
Wine writer Mike Bennie said it was a tough choice to pick a winner.
"It's hard graft whittling down 300-plus entries to 50, let alone a Top 25, but when it came to this year's number one it's hard to say it was close, such was the elegance, character of fruit, savoury detail, regional charm, judicious winemaking seasoning and sublime texture of our winner.
"A phenomenal release from a vaunted Margaret River producer, this wine delivers beauty in youth, poise and grace, but has potential for an exceptionally long life in cellar. An outstanding wine, justly rewarded."
Stella Bella had two wines placed in the Top 5 wines with their Suckfizzle Chardonnay 2020 coming in at #5, the top-rated Chardonnay.
This follows on from last year's awards, where the Luminosa Cabernet 2017 placed #2 overall.
