2020 Domaine Naturaliste Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc

An exceptional varietal Cabernet Franc and a new benchmark wine from Margaret River.
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review

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Sale price$85.00
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Description

The Le Naturaliste is the latest addition to Bruce Dukes' Flagship range.

A straight varietal Cabernet Franc born from Dukes' finest parcel of fruit from the heart of Margaret River - this is a stunning example of the poetential for this variety when made in a reserve style.

Think of it as Cabernet Sauvignon's sleeker, more elegant cousin. It's gracefully aromatic, and shows exceptional structure for the variety. It's Australian Cabernet Franc in full stride.

Cabernet Franc is the shy little sister of the Bordelaise family: aromatic, soft textured and boasting pristinely fine tannin and drive.

The decision to craft an expression of Margaret River as seen through the mode of this noble and ancient grape was an easy one, particularly when faced with fruit grown in the heart of Wilyabrup and on our quintessentially alimental gravel loam soils.

Subtle threads of violets, cherry blossom and fresh juniper berries serve as highlights to an ample tapestry of black plums, cacao nib and ironstone. Sheer textures of crushed granite and black cherry skin are laced with porcelain tannin and quenching natural acidity.

ALCOHOL
14% by Vol | 8.3 Standard Drinks

FOOD MATCHING
Lean red meats | gamey poultry | hard cheese

WINEMAKING
Having achieved a perfect balance, the fruit is picked, carefully destemmed and kept as whole berries for fermentation. Gently handled and pressed after 12 days on skin to 500L French oak Puncheons.

MATURATION
Aged for 14 months in 500L French Oak Puncheons, 40% of which were new. The larger barrels aid in retaining aromatics and fostering a more vibrant and primal energy

CELLARING POTENTIAL
Will mature gracefully for 15+ years

95 Points - "Good depth of colour and a bright purple rim, the bouquet has good varietal raspberry, crushed herb and cassis aromas, with a whiff of vanillan oak, the palate is soft and bright, with chocolate and blackberry alongside dark-cherry and fine, ripe tannins. There is none of the greenness that can afflict this variety. Very smart franc. (5% cabernet sauvignon. 16 months in 500-litre puncheons, 40% of them new)." - Huon Hook (The Real Review)

95 Points - "A lot of effort goes into growing and making this wine. While it’s a variety that can be so elegant, this is a bigger, richer style yet done well and doesn’t go OTT. It’s brimming with blueberries, currants and red cherries, spiced to the max with cinnamon and cloves plus a liberal spread of dried herbs. Full bodied, plush with expansive tannins and a lingering finish." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

Gold, 96 Points - "...aromatic nose with lovely scents of red cherry, black tea, brambley fruit, tobacco and coffee undertones. Textured and well-layered..." - Decanter World Wine Awards 2023

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 1 review
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
1 review
  • LS
    Lorant S.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Impressive

    A great region for Cabernet of all kind and this doesn’t disappoint. Not tried many cab franc but this was one of the best.

    TasteRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
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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!

Winemaker Bruce Dukes Margaret River, WA Domaine Naturaliste

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For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.

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Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.

Sydney (Our Vans): If no one is home and there are no special delivery instructions our driver will try to call for instructions. If the driver believes there is a safe space to leave your wine they will do so if not, they will return the item to us and hold your order until further instruction from you. 

Melbourne (Anonymous Wine Freight): If no one is home and there are no special delivery instructions, the courier will try to call for instructions. If the driver believes there is a safe space to leave your wine they will do so. if not, they will return the item to their dispatch centre and hold until further instruction from you.

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