Domaine Naturaliste ‘Sauvage’ International Wine Challenge – London

We are always delighted when our wines are recognised by the country’s greatest judges and critics. But when it happens at an international level, our effort and passion as winemakers are truly rewarded. We are very humbled and proud to announce the trophy results from the 2016 International Wine Challenge. The International Wine Challenge (IWC), now in its 33rd year, is accepted as the world's finest and most meticulously judged wine competition. Every wine is assessed blind and judged for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Throughout the rigorous judging processes, each medal-winning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 10, different, judges. Awards include Trophy, Gold, Silver, Bronze medals and Commended and Great Value awards. Domaine Naturaliste was awarded three trophies, three gold, three silver and five bronze medals, a very impressive 100% hit rate! The 2014 Domaine Naturaliste ‘Sauvage’ Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (not yet released) was awarded not just one, but three trophies! One trophy for the best  ‘Western Australian’ Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend. Another for the best  ‘Australian’ Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend. The third awarded for the best  ‘International’ Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend. The IWC judges described it as “Classy zesty wine with citrus fruits, gooseberry, flint, smoke character and a creamy mouthfeel. Youthful but complex, good balance. Will improve with age for a number of years. Super.” It is pronounced so - varge, not savage, like a wild, ferocious untamed animal. Sauvage is an affectionate term that the winemaker, Bruce, uses to refer to his SBS blend because of its wild fermentation. Winemaker and director, Bruce Dukes, said: “The international success of this wine is not only great for Domaine Naturaliste, but brilliant for the reputation of the Margaret River region, state and country as a whole. Further enhancing the fact that we are a premium wine producing country. The Margaret River Wine Region is one of the top wine regions in Australia, if not the best. Consistency in vintages and quality are unmatched.”   This wine is still a few weeks from being released to the market and we expect it to sell out quite quickly. We have decided to taste it at our next Winery Open Weekend, during the school holidays, on 9 & 10 July 2016. Download the PDF tasting notes for this wine. Sign up to the mailing list to be notified once this wine is released online.   List of the full results, as well as judges comments. Gold Medal + 3 Trophies - Domaine Naturaliste Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014  Western Australian Sauvignon Semillon Trophy, Australian Sauvignon Semillon Trophy & International Sauvignon Semillon Trophy Classy zesty wine with citrus fruits, gooseberry, flint, smoke character and a creamy mouthfeel. Youthful but complex, good balance. Will improve with age for a number of years. Super. Gold Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Artus Chardonnay 2014 Overt vanilla, cinnamon and butterscotch with melon and pineapple, leading to a refreshing finish. Gold Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Purus Chardonnay 2014 Pleasant and subtle smoky oak with lemon peel and stand-out balance. Class wine with great length. Silver Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Soft and juicy with forest fruit notes and leathery secondary characteristics. Mature, meaty complexity. Silver Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Floris Chardonnay 2014 Attractive use of oak with mango, butterscotch and lemon acidity. Silver Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Blackcurrants and blueberries on the nose. The palate is fine-grained with rich warm damson fruit, with a long seamless finish. Bronze Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Rebus Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Freshly picked blackcurrant vivicity wrapped in dark chocolate and vanilla. Menthol and eucalyptus lift and a spicy, lengthy finish. Bronze Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2015 Fresh, crunchy wine with gooseberry, green herbs and steely, flinty minerality. Bronze Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah 2014 Hints of leafy but juicy fruits. Lean, youthful and concentrated. Bronze Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Chardonnay 2015 Citrus lead nose with smoky notes, green grassy notes. Creamy and long. Bronze Medal - Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Syrah 2015 Restrained forest floor and gamey notes. A funky wine ready to drink with bramble fruits and chewy tannins.