Domaine Naturaliste is the project of highly acclaimed winemaker Bruce Dukes. After twenty five years of applying his craftsmanship to international and local producers, Dukes launched his own range of wines named after the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge; the dominant land form of viticultural significance in Margaret River.
This 2020 Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Chardonnay is a vibrant expression of Margaret River Chardonnay, with grapes harvested at moderate ripeness to retain freshness and natural balance. A perfumed, delicate and textured example, this is bursting with plenty of stonefruit and citrus fruit flavours, with quality oak playing merely a support role. At this great price, you'd struggle to find better value Chardonnay drinking from any producer in Australia.
"This is a pitch perfect example of bargain Margaret River Chardonnay with everything in its perfect place. Bright pale straw in colour, it instantly displays the energy of Margaret River with great complexity for the price thanks to an array of melon and fresh nashi pear fruits with almond meal barrel ferment and well seasoned oak. The palate is then dry, fresh and pure with good concentration of fruits plus a delicious chalky edge underpinned by a line of tangy acidity. Smoky lees, spicy oak and a long, silky finish are the icing on the cake. 92 Points. $25. Drink: 2021 - 2025"- Angus Hughson, winepilot.com
