Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Winemaking and Drinking

The Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 hails from carefully selected vineyards within the Margaret River appellation. The region’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, coupled with its gravelly loam soils, provides the perfect environment for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 vintage benefited from an excellent growing season, with moderate temperatures and balanced rainfall, leading to optimal grape ripeness and flavor concentration.

Tasting Notes

Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a compelling example of the elegance and complexity that the Margaret River region can impart on its wines. The wine pours a deep, garnet hue, indicative of its rich concentration.

On the nose, it exudes an enticing bouquet of dark fruits, including blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with subtle notes of violet, cedar, and tobacco. Hints of baking spices, such as clove and cinnamon, and a touch of mint, provide additional aromatic complexity.

The palate is equally impressive, offering a harmonious balance of ripe fruit flavors and refined tannins. Blackcurrant and dark cherry dominate the initial taste, seamlessly integrating with layers of dark chocolate, mocha, and earthy undertones. The wine's full body and velvety texture are complemented by a vibrant acidity, which imparts freshness and lengthens the finish. The oak influence is well-integrated, adding nuances of vanilla and toast without overpowering the fruit.

Awards and Accolades

Since its release, the Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 has garnered significant recognition from critics and wine competitions alike. Some of its notable accolades include:

• Gold Medal at the 2018 Margaret River Wine Show: The wine stood out in a highly competitive field, showcasing its superior quality.
• 95 Points from James Halliday’s Wine Companion: Esteemed wine critic James Halliday praised its depth, balance, and potential for aging.
• 95 Points from Wine Spectator: The publication highlighted its complexity, structure, and exceptional representation of the Margaret River terroir.
• Top 100 Australian Wines by Decanter Magazine: This inclusion affirmed the wine’s status among the best in Australia.

The Vineyard

Domaine Naturaliste's vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure the highest quality fruit. The vines are planted on north-facing slopes, maximizing sun exposure and enhancing grape ripeness. Sustainable farming practices are integral to the vineyard’s management, reflecting Bruce Dukes' commitment to environmental stewardship and quality.

The estate’s soil composition, primarily gravelly loam, offers excellent drainage and low fertility, which stresses the vines and results in lower yields of more concentrated grapes. These conditions are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing the varietal to express its full potential in terms of flavor, structure, and complexity.

The hand-harvesting of grapes ensures that only the best fruit is selected, and the winemaking process involves minimal intervention to preserve the natural characteristics of the grapes. Fermentation occurs in small batches with careful temperature control, followed by aging in French oak barrels for 18 months. This meticulous process ensures that the wine develops its rich, layered profile and smooth, polished tannins.

Conclusion

Domaine Naturaliste Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a testament to the exceptional viticultural and winemaking practices at Domaine Naturaliste. From its origins in the celebrated Margaret River region to its meticulous crafting and aging, every aspect of this wine reflects a dedication to quality and expression of terroir. Its rich history, combined with outstanding tasting notes and numerous accolades, makes it a standout selection for any wine enthusiast.