'Morus' - the iconic Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 98 points - James Halliday Dear wine lover, Our offer last year for the inaugural Domaine Naturaliste 'Morus' Cabernet Sauvignon was a sell-out. First up, hard-marking Decanter magazine gave it 95 points, as did Ray Jordan; Huon Hooke then awarded it 96 points, and our own James Halliday rated it at 97/100. As importantly, our kind readership agreed, buying it in spades - and came back for lots more. Well, James Halliday has just reviewed the just-released 2013 - and notched his rating up to a near-perfect 98 out of a 100 points. So before someone gives it 103/100 and it sells out completely, we offer the 2013 'Morus', the just-released new vintage wine from Margaret River's Domaine Naturaliste winery, to all those of you who love huge, intense, mouth-filling reds, and those of you who love to find a new iconic Australian red with immense cellaring potential. The market can't get enough Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon (and by "market" I mean Asia, Europe, the United States as well as locally). In other words, the "investment" (whether for enjoyment or safe keeping) is sure to bring dividends down the road. This wine hails from a very specific plot of vines and it's an "extravagance" show meshed with gritty varietal fruit, a long expressive finish and a sense of place (one of the pleasing aspects to 2013 is the show of place, not just a giant mouthful of fruit). It has drive, breed and nuance and it's from a grand/ageing vintage. Not only is Domaine Naturaliste arguably the very finest "new" winery in all of Western Australia but they are now considered one of the top handful of creme-de-la-creme producers in all of Australia. Winemaker Bruce Dukes understands just how special the terroir of Margaret River is, how delicate the balance between nature, the land and people is and always will be. He also knows how to get the most out of their Cabernet, Syrah and Chardonnay with a deft and confident hand. Their wine is precious but it is also meant to be enjoyed. Part of the true art of winemakers such as Domaine Naturaliste's Bruce Dukes is their capacity to craft exceptional reds that are immensely long-lasting, but are not unapproachable brooding brutes on release. When you consider the legacy of their neighbours alone - Cullen, Leeuwin, Moss Wood et al it makes their achievement even more remarkable. The 'Morus' is in stock and ready for shipment. Cheers Sarah Fuller sarah@worldwine.com.au
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