Domaine Naturaliste Artus Chardonnay 2021 - In Bond

Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com "The 2021 season was a challenging one for many producers. A cool lead up to harvest was punctuated by a series of rain events throughout February, which, coupled with the cloud cover (a feature of the season), caused some headaches. However, as further proof (like we needed it) that one must never write off a vintage, the wines I have tasted from this year—particularly the Chardonnays—have been excellent quality, as this unequivocally is. It is sleek, glassy and svelte, defined by cool acid and a mineral spool of phenolic tension. So, this 2021 Artus Chardonnay is exactly that. It is nuanced and detailed, mineral and rocky, shaped as it is by malolactic fermentation and rich, toasty oak. It's gently reductive, pillowy and cushioned yet precise and tight. Gotta love that southern acidity. It is still coming together. It will be so much better in a year or more. I love this wine."

Bruce Dukes, Chief Winemaker “Artus is an artistic translation of our local Gin Gin clone into wine. It is a provocative, complex and textural wine exuding the seductive spirit of “old world” chardonnay. The vines have been managed to allow only dappled light into the fruiting zone. This promotes flavor development, low tannins and bright levels of natural acidity. The fruit is farmed in the cool southern end of Margaret River. The tiny 100g Gin Gin clusters are hand harvested at first light to preserve freshness of fruit.

Gold, Margaret River Wine Show 2022

96 points - James Halliday “A wine from the big end of town, built on a scaffold of French oak barrel fermentation and stiletto acidity. Grapefruit and nectarine fill in the masonry. It is layered and balanced.”

Ray Jordan “..butterscotch aromas with ripe stone fruit adds so much to the nose and palate.  It is a highly textured wine with a dry savoury minerality providing a beautiful finish.  A little gunsmoke brings a subtle new dimension.  Cellar 9 years.”

Cassandra Charlick, WinePilot “.. It’s confident and gorgeous – the epitome of a femme fatale resplendent with curves, shoulder pads, heels and red lippy. This wine knows what it is and is unashamed in flaunting all that it has going for it. There are so many reasons to applaud, not least the length that rivals that of Elton John’s farewell tour: it goes on and on, and for good reason. Every sip leaves you aching for more.”