2018 Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah, Margaret River

The sheer power and intensity of this wine are utterly exceptional - it's as if two 750ml bottles had been compressed by some arcane process into a single bottle. Neither the modest alcohol nor the Margaret River provenance give a clue about the clash of cymbals on the palate, black fruits shutting all else back into the cellar for a minimum of 5 years maturation.

95 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

A rachis is the stalk (Latin botanical term) to which the individual berries are attached. Margaret River Syrah is noteworthy for its fragrance and attractiveness in youth.

This cuvee is so named because of the inclusion of 1/3 whole bunches (rachis) in the cuvee. The rachis contributes perfumes, tannin and flavours additional to the grapes.Aged 12 months in 1/3 new French oak puncheons 2016 Rachis is an immaculately crafted Syrah. Red and black fruits dominate the flavour while spice and pepper also play their part in this complex, textured finely balanced long finishing wine.

 Lamb chops grilled on an open fire, rich pasta dishes and aged deli meats are crying for its company. Cellar it up to 10 years, or simply start drinking now.