Domaine Naturaliste Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc 2018

98 points  Ray Jordan
96 Points Gary Walsh

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.

“Beautiful perfume of violet,rose and bay leaf, dusted with exotic and peppery spices, ginger biscuits, raspberry, redcurrant and boysenberry, crushed herbs and lead pencil. Yeah, that’s a lot of things, but it’s all go here. Medium-bodied, black olive and dark chocolate set in red and black fruit, lovely perfume, gravelly tannin, richness but with that strictness and ‘mineral’ feel you get from good Cabernet Franc. Finish is long, savoury and succulent at once. Margaret River, yes, but with Napa Valley intensity of flavour, if that makes sense. Excellent.” – 96 Points Gary Walsh, Winefront.

““This is Cabernet Franc unlike anything I have seen on this continent.” “A remarkable ground-breaking statement of cabernet franc in Australia. There is a sports-car power and elegant style. Perfumed violets and cherries with even a little juniper berry lift. It is fragrant beyond expectations with a depth and intensity built with structure, fine, chalky tannins and filled with black cherry and plum. Best drinking: now-2035” – 98 Points Ray Jordan