Domaine Naturaliste

Artus Chardonnay 2023

Der ‚Artus‘ gehört zur Spitze dessen, was Margaret River an Chardonnay hervorbringt. Die Kombination aus kühlem Küstenklima, dem legendären Gin-Gin-Klon und der präzisen Handschrift von Bruce Dukes ergibt einen Wein von internationalem Spitzenformat.

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.

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.

The 2023 Chardonnay Artus is a full-throttle crowd pleaser that opens with a decadent mix of tropical and citrus fruit aromas, with toasty oak not far behind. While deeply flavored, it also shows impressive control, with vibrant acidity keeping all elements in check as the wine powers through to a strong, chalky-textured finish.