Description
“The sheer quality of the wines he makes is equalled only by his consistency” James Halliday.
BEST VALUE WINERY OF THE YEAR 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.
The Flagship series is Bruce Dukes’ finest expression of the iconic Margaret River varietals. “Flagship is our passion and inspiration, the reason we make wine.” From terroir and fruit selection, to palate and aroma, Bruce Dukes expertly balances these variables, resulting in wines that are complex and ultimately delicious.
From the winery about this vintage: “Our finest cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of Margaret River. A single vineyard selection of the prized “Roche clone” with plantings in 1978 and 1982. These fully mature and majestic vines are some of the oldest in the region, planted by the second wave of winegrowing pioneers. The gravelly soils of the vineyard are flanked by the dominant native hard wood trees named Jarrah. Jarrah trees are a favourable and exact biological indicator that the site is ideally matched to Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Fruit expression from this site includes violets, cassis, and mulberry. Indeed, mulberry is a very attractive fruit character which is a unique part of the terroir expression of Margaret River Cabernet. This cuvee is named to reflect this unique mulberry character – Morus australis being the genus and species name for the mulberry tree.
“The fruit was harvested based on achieving a balance of tannin and flavour ripeness while maintaining fruit freshness. 55% new barrels until the wine has achieved its own harmony, which was 14 months. The barriques are primarily from forests in the Center of France, Troncais and a touch of Bertrange. The wine then enjoys another year in bottle before release.”
A fabulous wine from a warmer growing season- 2018 was for many commentators favourite Margaret River vintage up there with character and structure of 2012. Do not miss out on a 6 pack of this for the cellar
97 points, James Halliday and Gold, Halliday 2021 Cabernet Challenge “This swings into action from the first whiff, with a cavalcade of dark berry fruits of all persuasions, the precisely delineated palate that follows with cassis, redcurrant a sombre edge of earth and dried olive, joining mouth-watering tannins.”
Top 100 Australia Wines & 96 points, JamesSuckling “The immediate intensity and purity here is striking. Aromas of violets and blueberries, as well as redcurrants, fresh herbs and cedar all intertwine seamlessly. The palate is impeccably elegant, yet deeply concentrated, with dark- plum, blueberry and blackcurrant flavors set in elegantly fine, layered tannins. Drink over the next decade.”
97 points, Anette Lacey MW ”..all the qualities we love in Cabernet Sauvignon; acid structure, assertive tannins and layered fruit. The tannins are fine and graphite-like supporting the ripe cassis black fruit that is concentrated but classy. There is a fine boned oak regime adding layers of finesse and structure to the fruit and acid drive. Tell-tale leafy notes typical of Margaret River add a finishing touch to the bottle age complexity. This is Margaret River Cabernet in all its glory, ready now but will improve over the next 8-10 years.”
96 points, Huon Hooke “Deep red/purple colour. Tomato bush and nori aromas intertwine with mulberry, a hint of eucalyptus, the palate bright and elegantly proportioned, if slightly uneven in its line at first. After a little time in the glass, it came into its stride; a sumptuously rich, concentrated cabernet with lovely balance and softness. Cellar it—a little more time will bring even more out of it.”
94 points, Decanter “Perfumed nose showing violet, plum, vanilla, cedar and a touch of rose and wet earth. Well-executed, fuller-bodied style, with attractive juice and flesh. Some charry oak that’s just poking up on the finish.” Sarah Ahmed, Justin Knock MW and Julia Sewell.
RRP $100 Our Price $83.99
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