Product Description:
Chardonnay with quiet power, drawn from the cool southern reaches of Margaret River. Domaine Naturaliste’s Artus Chardonnay 2023 is Bruce Dukes’ bold interpretation of the Gin Gin clone, rendered with texture and detail that nod to the spirit of old-world Burgundy. Fruit is farmed in Karridale, where maritime breezes and filtered light preserve freshness, minerality, and the delicate natural acidity that defines the style.
Hand-harvested at first light, the small clusters are treated with precision in both vineyard and cellar. The result is a Chardonnay that balances stone fruit and citrus purity with savoury complexity from lees work and oak. In Bruce Dukes’ hands, Artus speaks fluently of place: a wine that is layered, textural, and deeply evocative of Margaret River’s southern edge.
The Maker
Bruce Dukes is a winemaker who thinks like a scientist but works with the sensitivity of an artist. With a background in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia and a master’s in Viticulture and Oenology from UC Davis, Bruce brings academic depth and a farmer’s intuition to every bottle. His career spans international and local experience—from Francis Ford Coppola’s Niebaum-Coppola estate in California to a pivotal role at Pierro in Margaret River—shaping a style that’s precise, thoughtful, and grounded in nature.
At Domaine Naturaliste, Bruce channels this dual mindset into wines that balance purity and complexity. He’s a firm believer in the idea that great wine is made vine by vine, berry by berry. His reputation as one of Australia’s most technically skilled yet quietly creative winemakers is reflected in every release—wines with fragrance, structure and a tangible sense of place.
Philosophy
Domaine Naturaliste’s ethos is rooted in regenerative farming and minimal intervention winemaking. Bruce’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that sustainability isn’t just a choice—it’s a responsibility. By understanding the soil profile, microclimate, and energy of each vineyard block, he cultivates vines that are naturally resilient and expressive. His team’s stewardship of the land aims to improve its health with each passing season.
The Wilyabrup vineyard, just seven kilometres from the Indian Ocean, benefits from ancient gravelly loam soils and a maritime climate that moderates extremes. These conditions allow for slow, even ripening—critical to Bruce’s style, which champions texture, balance, and clarity. Every decision, from vineyard management to oak selection, is calibrated to showcase the fruit’s inherent character. The result is wines that feel effortless but are the product of deliberate, deeply considered choices—a quiet mastery of terroir and time.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Stone fruit & spice
Fresh nectarines and poached pears with marzipan, struck match, and roasted cashew.
PALATE
– Rich & layered
Grapefruit, lemon curd, and candied pecan unfold against creamy lees and savoury oak.
FINISH
– Mineral drive
Long, textural and bright with saline acidity and a nutty, flinty close.
Reviews & Accolades
“Vibrant aromas of peach and apricot, complemented by caramelised 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.” – International Wine & Spirits Competition, 96pts
“While it 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.” – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion, 96pts
“Plenty happening in this funky and wild expression of Chardonnay. On the nose, an intense combination of butterscotch, roasted cashew and lemon curd with vanilla bean lift revel. The palate is layered with a complete maze and intricate weave of flavours reflecting the initial aromas. And then a minerally finish completes a very good wine.” – Ray Jordan, 96pts
Finer Details:
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Margaret River, Western Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
Closure - Screwcap
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