Domaine Naturaliste Purus Chardonnay 2021

Bruce Dukes, Chief Winemaker “Purus is a translation of pristine flavours, textures and climate of southern Margaret River Chardonnay into wine. The vines have been carefully managed to allow only dappled light into the fruiting zone. This promotes flavour development, low tannins and bright levels of natural acidity. The fruit is sourced from select parcels of Dijon clones grown in the cool southern end of Margaret River. The compact bunches of perfectly solarized berries are hand harvested at first light to preserve freshness of fruit. Pure perfumes of white pear, jasmine flower and wet granite are elegantly suspended above a palate carved from grapefruit pith and white nectarine flesh. Lashings of focused white fruit tannin and porcelain texture and length culminate in a sheer wall of quenching minerality and bristling tension.”

97 points – Gold Award, James Halliday “The glittering green hue is a pointer to what is to come. Complex barrel ferment aromas bring crushed cashew and a funky wreath of blanched almonds into play. It is the brightest and quicksilver-lightest on its feet of the three chardonnay siblings, with fantastic length and perfect balance”

Erin Larkin, RobertParker.com "The 2021 season in Margaret River was cool and wet, and this coolness was compounded the further south you travel—in this case, heading down to Karridale, where these vineyards are situated. The philosophy of the Artus and the Purus are in complete juxtaposition to each other. While the Artus is made with 100% Gingin clone, 100% malolactic fermentation and regular (fortnightly) bâtonnage, the Purus is constructed from the Dijon clones (76 and 95), zero malolactic fermentation, low toast oak (40% new), no bâtonnage (save in tank, at blending, prior to bottling) and designed as a pure expression of the delicate clones. To further nail in the distinct style, the fruit is sourced from Karridale. The 2021 Purus Chardonnay is incredibly concentrated, defined by scintillating acidity. It all comes down to the acid, in the end. The fruit courses in rivulets through the channels that the acid cuts—like water into rock over time. There is stephanotis, white pepper, rosemary, saltbush, red apple skins, crushed pistachio and a hint of rose petal. There is also a note of white tea. This is an excellent, distinct wine. Polarizing, very special. "Tensile," says Dukes. "Vibratory" is another word."