2022 Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

This was a good year in Margaret River, delivering fruit of tremendous intensity and good structure. In this case, it's been captured in this superb cabernet sauvignon that demonstrates the awesome power of the region, but with finesse, refinement, and a real polish on the finish. Black fruits, bay leaf, and graphite on the nose. A palate that shows almost a sweet fruit middle, but then the structure wraps around it and carries it forward with tremendous intensity. Totally seamless and integrated, with a sustained lingering finish. Cellar for up to 20 years.

98 points Ray Jordan Wines

The 2022 Morus Cabernet Sauvignon is leafy and fine, with dried mint, sage and bay leaf, cassis, dark chocolate, ironstone and nori. In the mouth, the tannins are finely wrought and savory, lingering long after the fruit has faded through the finish. The fruit is Houghton clone (sometimes referred to as the Roche clone, from the Roche family vineyard in Frankland River where the genetic material was originally sourced), and the oak used for élevage is from three French forests, which allowed the fruit tannins to shine. There's blackcurrant and licorice, ground black pepper and loads of that lovely, marine-based kelp/umami/nori note that Margaret River Cabernet can achieve. It's also structural. Drink 2025 - 2037.

96 points Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate, December 2025

Concentrated, refined aromas of blackcurrants, plum skin, bay leaves, cocoa and pencil shavings. The palate is full-bodied and layered with firm yet polished tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of dark cherries, mulberries, cedar, graphite and cloves. Powerful and composed with impressive length and no hard edges. Drink or hold.

96 points James Suckling, August 2025

Deep and bold purple-red colour; deep dense and reserved aromas recalling herbal/tomato bush and faintly minty/eucalyptic aromas. The wine is full-bodied and highly structured but with a slight lightness in the core. Some green peppercorn touches, and very firm tannins that demand time or food with protein. A biggie that deserves cellar space. Drink 2026–2037.

90 points Huon Hooke, The Real Review, October 2025

From low yielding Wilyabrup vineyards in the heart of Margaret River, this Cabernet shows the region’s trademark mix of power and polish. Morus is Domaine Naturaliste’s flagship red, named after the ancient mulberry tree and built to express the gravelly soils and maritime influence that define the area. Warm days ripen the fruit fully while cool ocean air preserves structure, shaping a wine that feels dense yet controlled. Under winemaker Bruce Dukes, the focus is precision viticulture and exact timing, aiming to capture fruit at its most balanced point.

Winemaking is detailed and deliberate. Fermentation extracts deep colour and fine tannin, while maturation in carefully chosen oak adds cedar and spice without masking the fruit core. The style is structured and age worthy, combining Margaret River generosity with architectural line.

Deep crimson in colour, the aromas open with blackcurrant, dark plum and blueberry layered with bay leaf, cedar and cocoa. There is a lifted herbal edge that signals classic Cabernet character. The palate is full bodied and firmly built, with cassis driven fruit wrapped in ripe tannins and bright acidity. Flavours of black fruit, tobacco and savoury spice run long into a dry, persistent finish.

It pairs beautifully with roast beef, lamb and richly savoury dishes. While compelling now with air, it will cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, developing leathery and earthy complexity.