2023 Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah, Margaret River

92 points rayjordanwine.com.au

The Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah from Margaret River is a perfumed and finely structured red that highlights the region’s elegant cool-climate expression of this Rhône variety. Bruce Dukes, the winemaker and founder of Domaine Naturaliste, is known for crafting wines with balance and finesse, and Rachis is a small-batch release that shows Syrah at its most refined. The name “Rachis” refers to the stem of the grape bunch, a nod to the whole-bunch fermentation often used here to bring lifted aromatics, spice and silky texture.

In the glass it is a vibrant crimson-purple. The bouquet is fragrant and layered, with aromas of blackberry, mulberry and dark cherry interwoven with violet, black pepper, spice and a subtle savoury edge. On the palate it is medium-bodied and elegant, showing juicy red and black fruits framed by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Whole-bunch inclusion adds floral lift and savoury complexity, while gentle oak maturation brings a touch of cocoa and clove. The finish is long, supple and graceful, making this a Syrah of both vibrancy and poise.

Food pairings suit its aromatic and savoury style: duck breast with cherry glaze, roast lamb with rosemary, venison with juniper, or earthy vegetarian dishes such as mushroom ragù or lentil stew. Semi-hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego are also excellent companions. With 8 to 12 years of cellaring potential, it evolves into a more complex wine with truffle, leather and dried spice notes while retaining freshness.