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.
About this wine: Artus is an artistic translation of the local Gin Gin clone into wine. The wine creates its own journey. It is a provocative, complex and textural wine exuding the seductive spirit of old world Chardonnay. The vines have been managed to allow only dappled light into the fruiting zone. This promotes flavour development, low tannins and bright levels of natural acidity. The fruit is sourced from Karridale the cool southern end of Margaret River which imparts racy succulence. The tiny 100g Gin Gin clusters are hand harvested at first light to preserve freshness of fruit.
About the 2023 vintage from the winemaker: “A sensational growing season. A moderate spring and start to summer allowed for slow and consistent flavour development, followed by a warm and dry finish leading into Autumn. The wines are bold and flavoursome, boasting exceptional concentration and intensity.
Flavours of fresh nectarines and candied pecan nuts are supported by aromas of poached pears and marzipan. Attractive in youth, up to 8 years maturation.
96 points, Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion “While it comes out as a bit of a powerhouse flavour-wise and in structure, this is backed up by fine acidity, driving this long. It also keeps the substantional flavours of savoury oak, creamed-honey lees and grapefuirt in check. Some flinty, funky suohpides add an extra dimensions of complexity as it continues to build on the palate.”
96 points, Ray Jordan “Plenty happening in this funky and wild expression of Chardonnay. On the nose, an intense combination of butterscotch, roasted cashew and lemon curd with vanilla bean lift revel. The palate is layered with a complete maze and intricate weave of flavours reflecting the initial aromas. And then a minerally finish completes a very good wine.”
95 points, Gary Walsh, Winefront “This is all Gin Gin clone from Karridale. Malo and 40% new oak. Rich lime, peach, a fair clip of toasty spicy oak and struck match, salted pistachio and mint. It’s a powerful wine, lots of flavour and presence, a rich gloss to it, though it’s cut by bright citrus acidity, cloves and plenty of grip giving it a tactile intensity, nutty and tangy on a finish of excellent length. It’s Margaret River Chardonnay in full flight. Very good. Impressive wine.”
96 points, Shanteh Wale, Winepilot “To many Chardonnay lovers, the aroma of this wine will have you swooning. Sliced pineapple, peach cheeks and the classiest of new oak wafts from the galss. Mace, vanilla bean and buttered sourdough toast. acidity increases over long moments and provides a zingy note to the lucsious creamy mounthfeel of cashew, butter and lemon curd. Flavour last for days and it’s near impossible not to be searching for your glass for the next sip. Beguiling and a real work of beauty. Drink with bubbling macaroni and cheese. You can thank me later.”
RRP $70 *Our Special Price $58.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*
