95 Points - Jane Faulkner | 95 Points - Shanteh Wale
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 2023 Domaine Naturaliste Floris Chardonnay is made to be a "modern and engaging" expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. Produced from sustainably farmed vineyard in the cool southern end of Margaret River, Floris exhibits delicate textures and floral notes with an emphasis on balance, freshness and all-round drinking pleasure.
"95 Points. Gosh, Floris is charming this vintage. Pared back and refined, but charming nonetheless. A light showing of grapefruit and white nectarine, a flutter of ginger powder and gossamer-like creamy lees. Oak a mere backdrop. Moreish and savoury, and superb now, yet will last some distance. 12.5% alc. $39. Drink: 2025 - 2033. Screwcap"- Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
"95 Points. Matured for 10 months in 30% new oak barrels. Citron lemon skin, turmeric and jonquil flowers. There is calamansi lime zest too with pockets of white peach and rum soaked pineapple. A delightful mesh of grainy skin grip adds further dimension to the wine, with driving acidity and power that belies its moderate alcohol. Some ginger ale and Amaro bitterness rounds out the finish like a standing ovation. This has so much character and nuance, it might take you a few sips before you quite know how to respond. Great wines tend to do that in my opinion. Try this with curry fried cauliflower and garlic naan bread. $39"- Shanteh Wale, winepilot.com.
"94 Points. Promised floral notes make an immediate impression: jasmine blooming on muggy evenings, chamomile drying in the sun, a hedgerow of elderflowers. White peach and lemon barley water too. Benefits from barrels with the lightest toasting. It’s Duke’s Blonde on Blonde. 13% alcohol, $39"- Nick Ryan, The Weekend Australian Magazine.
