2019 Domaine Naturaliste Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc, Margaret River

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. Aged in 40% new 500 litre puncheons, the oak is gentle and considered. The pretty, delicate nose of violets and lead pencil give way to a medium bodied wine with a slippery, powdery texture. Slate stones and leafy notes add a juicy quality to the wine whilst the granular tannins provide a firm support. I loved the savoury spectrum of this wine that serves as a common thread through the whole palate. Drink to 2030.

96 points Annette Lacey for Wine Pilot, November 2021

There are not many Cabernet Francs in Australia that can genuinely stand up to be bottled on their own without the support of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. I daresay this is probably quite a small make and from some carefully chosen blocks to get this kind of quality. Bright deep ruby in colour, it opens with a generous array of fruits – redcurrant and blackcurrant with toasty oak showing impressive concentration and focus. What I like most here though is the savoury aspect – graphite and gravel notes that offset that delightfully sweet fruits – it makes quite the package. The fruit is then beautifully supported by an immaculate structure – firm mouthcoating tannins and balanced, fresh acidity sitting perfectly with rich fruit. Despite those tannins it is also supremely elegant all the way through to a long and meandering finish. Vibrant and energetic, this is a wine with much to offer over the next ten years and probably longer. Drink to 2032.

95 points Angus Hughson for Wine Pilot, November 2021

Appealing meaty notes and fresh leather mingle with black and red plums. It holds a savoury line that threads through the wine, weaving throughout the sinewy frame. Complexing flavours ebb and flow, finishing with fine salty licorice tannins. This is a wine of pedigree, and while it's approachable now it will cellar beautifully, adding layers of flavour and texture. Drink to 2031.

95 points Gabrielle Poy for The Real Review, December 2021

A whole-berry ferment with 12 days on skins, matured for 14 months in French puncheons (40% new). Margaret River is a home for all the Bordeaux varieties, particularly so in the case of cabernet franc, with its fragrant cherry-accented fruit and supple medium-bodied palate. Elsewhere in Australia it is often found wanting. Drink to 2030.

94 points James Halliday for the Halliday Wine Companion, January 2022

Domaine Naturaliste Vineyard is located in highly acclaimed Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River in Western Australia. Founded by Bruce Dukes, one of Western Australia’s most respected winemakers, the estate focuses on purity, balance and site expression.

The Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc is one of the estate’s flagship wines. The variety thrives in conditions where it can ripen fully without losing its natural perfumed lift and refreshing natural acidity. Margaret River delivers on this beautifully.

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 delicate tannin and quenching natural acidity.

Delicious with agedashi tofu in a smoked shiitake dashi, crispy-Skin Murray Cod with red wine lentils and pancetta or charcoal-Grilled lamb ribs Glazed in fermented plum soy.