Domaine Naturaliste Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc 2020

96 Points & Top 100 Wines of 2021 James Halliday

By Bruce Dukes

Sauvignon Blanc is well adapted to their gravelly soils and maritime climate. The fruit is from the cooler southern end of Margaret River, which is renowned for its fragrant white wines. Bold aromas of red currant, passion fruit and orange blossom laced with exotic notes of lychee and clove. A creamy mouth filling palate delights the senses with an unexpected richness and depth of flavour.

A perfect white growing season, characterized by generally warm and dry conditions from start to finish. Low disease pressure meant fruit could be picked purely based on the perfect balance of natural acidity and pure fruit expression. One of the great years for white wines.

Fermentation and maturation in 500L French oak puncheons allows a gentle ingress of oak elements, while preserving freshness. Sauvage remains on its yeast sediment “sur lie” during maturation, This process of yeast cell breakdown adds depth and richness to the palate.

“A great vintage for Margaret River white wines. Barrel fermented in French puncheons (33% new), but that is not the only winemaking input, some enriching use of solids also in play. It’s complex, and in a lineage that will ensure the wine has a healthy life ahead.” – 96 Points & Special Value Wine James Halliday