2016 Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

Morus is Bruce Dukes’s finest cuvee of cabernet from the heart of Margaret River. Planted by the second wave of winegrowing pioneers, these fully mature and majestic vines are some of the oldest in the Margaret River. 

The fruit expression includes violets, cassis and mulberry. This cuvee is named to reflect this unique mulberry character; Morus australis being the genus and species name for the mulberry tree.

Mulberry, cassis and cocoa flavours mingle with exotic spices, anise and a hint of aromatic violet. This wine has extraordinary fruit character displaying depth and poise. Elegantly structured with fine, silky ripe tannins, this wine is to be cherished and is destined to evolve over time. A finely detailed wine.

Part of the fruit comes from the Roche clone planted in ‘98, part from an earlier planting ('82), 55% matured in new French oak. A further year passed before it was released, and another 20-30 years will pass before the wine reaches its zenith. It is exceptionally long and intense, its balance flawless. Drink by 2046'

97 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Deep, rich red colour with tinges of brick and purple in the rim. The bouquet is rich and chocolate-vanillan with echoes of cedar, violets and underbrush. The palate adds blackberry and lashings of ripe tannins, the middle fleshy and generous, the finish firm, with good length. A very smart cabernet that will respond well to cellaring. Move over, Médoc!

97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com