You have to like the funk, there’s no doubting or getting around it, but if you do: this is sensational.
Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)
About The Wine
After 20 years observing the area, Bruce Dukes decided all the Chardonnays from Domaine Naturaliste would be crafted entirely from the Gin Gin clone.
He selected a vineyard in the South of Margaret River that had Gin Gin cropped in a particular way, with little light flooding through the canopy. He wanted flavour intensity without the tannins that come with over-ripeness and he got it. The result of his search are the twin Chardonnays Artus and Purus.
Artus is the voluptuous seductress. The powerhouse Margaret River Chardonnay with a gymnast-like balance. 40% new oak, richness and zip in equal proportion.
The 2016 vintage was triumphant at the world's most respected wine show, the 2018 IWC, taking home Trophy for Best Western Australian Chardonnay. Add to that 97 points from James Halliday and 96 points from Campbell Mattinson and you're looking at one of the most decorated Chardonnays in the country right now.
About Domaine Naturaliste
Domaine Naturaliste is a Margaret River producer to keep an eye out for.
Named James Halliday's Best Value Winery for 2020, owner/winemaker Bruce Dukes has a wealth of winemaking experience both here and abroad, including a stint at Francis Ford Coppola's iconic Niebaum Coppola winery in the Napa Valley.
His wines are made from traditional Margaret River varieties with a focus on premium Chardonnay and Cabernet that rival the best of the region.
From the top-shelf premium range to the excellent 'daily drinking' wines, everything made by the hands of Bruce is outstanding value for money!
Margaret River, WA
From The Producer
Artus is an artistic translation of our local Gin Gin clone into wine. 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 flavor development, low tannins and bright levels of natural acidity. The fruit is farmed in the cool southern end of Margaret River. The tiny 100g Gin Gin clusters are hand harvested at first light to preserve freshness of fruit.
Flavours of fresh nectarines and candied pecan nuts are supported by aromas of poached pears and marzipan.
Blend : Chardonnay (100%)
ABV : 13.00%
Closure : Screw cap
Drink Until : 2030
Bottle Size : 750ml
Critic Reviews
"Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, cloudy juice wild-fermented in French oak (40% new), matured for 12 months. It's exceptionally fresh and pure, white peach and nectarine at its core. Roasted cashew and citrussy acidity dance around the core, creating a very long and crisp finish." - James Halliday (Australian Wine Companion)
"This release is brilliant. But in a funky way. It’s up to its eyeballs in spent matchstick character. It’s riven with peach, grapefruit and citrus character, though there’s a fair amount of cracked wheat, toast, cedarwood and cashew-like flavour too. It talks a big game, and delivers on it. You have to like the funk, there’s no doubting or getting around it, but if you do: this is sensational." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)
Trophy - Best Western Australian Chardonnay
Delivery is Free for any order of $99 or more, or just $10 for any orders less than $99. There is no minimum order quantity and you can mix and match as much as you like. Make your perfect mixed pack! In Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Byron Bay we deliver with our own vans. All other areas are serviced by Australia Post.
Sydney Metro orders in the Pink Zone will be delivered the next day 5 days per week, Monday through Friday. Orders in the Blue Zone will be delivered on Tuesdays and Fridays. Everything outside these zones will be delivered by Australia Post.
Melbourne Metro orders are picked up at 12pm from our Sydney warehouse every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and delivered the following day in Melbourne (Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri). Please refer to this map to see if your address is considered Melbourne Metro here. Everything outside of this zone will be dispatched next business day with Australia Post.
Brisbane Metro orders are picked up from our Sydney warehouse every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 12pm and delivered on Thursday or Friday. Please refer to this map to see if your address is considered Brisbane Metro here. Everything outside of this zone will be dispatched next business day with Australia Post.
Australia Wide Deliveries To the rest of Australia we use Australia Post. The Australia Post Collection Truck picks up orders from our Sydney warehouse every weekday at midday. If your order is placed before 12pm we’ll get it on the truck that day. Delivery times vary considerably with Australia Post and unfortunately there is no Express Delivery Option for wine (because it is fragile and heavy). PLEASE NOTE that we are currently seeing significant delays in the Australia Post delivery network. Strict government health and safety requirements and very high parcel volumes are causing significant backlogs at the main NSW and VIC sorting facilities. Orders are still arriving safe and sound but you may notice slower delivery times and less frequent scanning updates than usual.
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