Fruitful Finesse
Founded in 2012 by Bruce Dukes, Domaine Naturaliste quickly established itself as one of the standout wineries in the Margaret River region, earning a reputation for consistency and exceptional quality. Bruce’s passion for wine stems from his background as a soil microbiologist and his thirty-four years of experience in integrating grape growing with winemaking. His goal has always been to understand the intricacies of the fruit and express its true potential through culturally relevant wine styles.
Pictured are Chardonnay vines at the Domaine Naturaliste Wilyabrup vineyard in January 2024, just starting to flower. The ryegrass and clover sward has full cover of the entire vineyard floor, insulating the soil, moderating moisture and deep placing complex nutrients into the soil for gradual release.
Early season subterranean clovers are selected, so they have completed their flowing and seed setting (below ground) by the time the soil moisture dries out in December. This allows for a self-perpetuating ground cover system.
The 2022-2023 growing season aligned perfectly with the biological rhythm of the vines, resulting in fruit with remarkable vibrance, freshness and a firm acid backbone that captures the essence of Margaret River. Bruce describes the 2023 vintage as “a gathering of old and dear friends, bristling with excitement and stories to unfold.” The 2023 Purus Chardonnay, part of the winery’s flagship range, has already earned a prestigious ninety-six point rating from Ray Jordan.
Additionally, each wine in this range has received ninety-five points from the resected US platform, JamesSuckling.com. Domaine Naturaliste’s outstanding 2023 vintage, along with many other exceptional wines, is now available for purchase.