LE NATURALISTE CABERNET FRANC
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.
2021
95 pts Ray Jordan "a Cab Franc with power and concentrated intensity."
95 pts JamesSuckling.com "Wonderfully complex and perfumed with aromas of wild blueberries, violets, dark chocolate and damson plums. The full-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins and balanced acidity, giving notes of dark cherries, chalk, cured meats, graphite and dried herbs. Very lush and structured with a floral edge. Drink or hold."
95 pts Halliday Wine Companion "Given the difficult vintage, this is showing lovely, if big, flavours with no weedy nuances at all. An impressive wine rich in black fruit, dark chocolate studded with mint, lashings of cedary oak and plentiful tannins. No wallflower as it's full bodied and almost voluptuous, yet the finish is long and generous."
95 pts Shanteh Wale, Winepilot "A lovely ripeness to the fruit opens to some rich chocolaty tones, mocha, coffee and read tea leaf. Tannins are dusty and spread evenly across the palate...A labour of love and a wondrous outcome."
2020
96 pts & Gold Decanter World Wine Awards “Leafy aromatic nose with lovely scents of red cherry, black tea, brambley fruit, tobacco and coffee undertones. Textured and well-layered, with a long sappy finish.”
95 pts Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "A lot of effort goes into growing and making this wine. While it's a variety that can be so elegant, this is a bigger, richer style yet done well and doesn't go OTT. It's brimming with blueberries, currants and red cherries, spiced to the max with cinnamon and cloves plus a liberal spread of dried herbs. Full bodied, plush with expansive tannins and a lingering finish.:
95 pts Huon Hooke "..the bouquet has good varietal raspberry, crushed herb and cassis aromas, with a whiff of vanillan oak, the palate is soft and bright, with chocolate and blackberry alongside dark cherry and fine, ripe tannins...A very smart Franc"
94 pts James Suckling “A rich and layered red, plums and berries with some chocolate and hazelnut. Full-bodied. Round and pretty tannins and a delicious finish. Rather opulent. Drink or hold.”
2019
95 pts The Real Review “This is a wine of pedigree, and while it's approachable now it will cellar beautifully, adding layers of flavour and texture.”
96 pts Anette Lacy MW “I am a big fan of Cabernet Franc and this one is delicious. This is the second release from Domaine Naturaliste and they have really allowed the Franc expression to shine."
2018 (First Release)
98 pts Ray Jordan “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.”
96 pts Walsh “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.”
95 pts Real Review
