Description
“The sheer quality of the wines he makes is equalled only by his consistency” James Halliday.
BEST VALUE WINERY IN JAMES HALLIDAY’S AUSTRALIAN WINE COMPANION 2020
When I met winemaker Bruce Dukes from Domaine Naturaliste I was bowled over by how striking every wine was that I tasted in his lineup … A rare occurrence when you’re tasting wines every day.
The success did not happen by accident. He has an intimate knowledge of all the terroirs of Margaret River after spending 25 years honing his craft with leading Margaret River producers such as Pierro wines. He is a trained agronomist and has a Masters in viticulture and Oenology from U.C. Davis … he also worked for 4 years at Neibaum Coppola in Napa, USA. Bruce seeks freshness of fruit, perfume, texture, overall balance, restraint with low to moderate alcohol in all his beautiful wines. Domaine Naturaliste is named after the northern most Cape of Margaret River, Cape Naturaliste, where the winery is situated. Minuscule production of top shelf wines across the board.
2020 is a gorgeous rendition comprising 86% Cabernet sauvignon with 11% merlot and 3% cabernet franc to soften out the Cabernet.
Referred to as “Baby-Rebus” as hails from the same Willyabrup block as the Rebus without any new oak influence.
About this vintage: “A perfect growing season characterised by generally warm and dry conditions from start to finish. Low disease pressure meant fruit could be picked based solely on the perfect balance of natural acidity and pure fruit expression. The parcels of fruit were fermented and matured separately in French oak for a year. They were blended just before bottling based on a precise tasting profile. Seasoned French oak barriques for 12 months.
“A classic and unhindered expression of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, sculpted tannins and lifted red berry perfumes. A paragon of personality, purpose and approachability for those who enjoy soft tannins, succulent red fruits and simply love wine. Aromas of cassis, red cherries and bright red fruit underpinned by a seamless palate of raspberries, plum skin, bright red fruits and silky, textured tannin on the finish.”
92 points, James Suckling “Aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco leaf, ground spice and bark. Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins. Pleasantly fresh on the palate with black fruit at the core.”
RRP $32 Our Special Price $24.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
