Domaine Naturaliste Artus Chardonnay 2023

An immense wine of flavour, stuffing, structure and intensity. It’s also a chardonnay that demonstrates the sheer lavishness of the varietal and the extreme quality of the fruit and winemaker. Pungent and expressive, with white flowers, a compote of tangy stone and citrus fruits, olive, cashew nut, creamy butter, vanilla and pineapple. Terrific palate impact, taut and tensioned, yet a real powerhouse of dry extract and mid palate stuffing. Thorough, incredible deliciousness. Norris at Waters Wine

96pts International wine & Spirits Competition – Margaret River “Vibrant aromas of peach and apricot, complemented by caramelized pineapple and cool flint. On the palate, fresh grapefruit and lemon curd intertwine with the creamy texture, revealing delicious hints of toasty vanilla and smooth marzipan.” 

While it always comes out as a bit of a powerhouse flavour-wise and in structure, this is backed up by fine acidity, driving this long. It also keeps the substantial flavours of savoury oak, creamed-honey lees and grapefruit in check. Some flinty, funky sulphides add an extra dimension of complexity as it continues to build on the palate. 96 points – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

If Purus is a glass box in a Scandinavian forest, this is the stuffed drawing room of a stately home, adornment in abundance, a feast for the senses. The one with the lot. Gin Gin unchained. Popcorn and curry leaf, grapefruit pith and yellow nectarine, grilled pineapple and nougat. Glorious.” 96 points – Nick Ryan, The Weekend Australian

The 2023 Artus Chardonnay represents everything the Purus is not: full malolactic fermentation, toasty oak, Gingin clone. It is big, and it is often rambunctious in its opulence. Here, within the confines of the excellent and cool 2023 season, those more overt characteristics feel tamed, restrained and kept in check. This is all about ripe yellow peach, taut citrus notes, briny acidity, lush phenolics and powerful fruit intensity. On the palate, the acidity is juicy and chewy, and the mouth provides a full sensory experience—one to chew, to think on and to taste. I like this Artus through the lens of this cool-season harness very much indeed. Crushed and salted nuts linger on the finish. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.95 points – Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate

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