Domaine Naturaliste Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc 2022 from Bruce Dukes in Margaret River is a thrilling, flagship Cabernet Franc – perfumed, poised and deeply textured, drawn from classic Wilyabrup gravel loams that give incredible drive and detail in the glass. This 2022 Domaine Naturaliste Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc shows the variety in full voice, all lifted aromatics, plush fruit and pristinely fine tannin that feels both luxurious and effortlessly drinkable.

Expect a heady mix of violets, wild blueberries, blackcurrant and dark plum, laced with dark chocolate, cocoa, pencil shavings, dried herbs and a whisper of ironstone minerality. The palate is full‑bodied yet silky, with bright redcurrant and raspberry cutting through a plush black‑fruit core, framed by chalky, porcelain‑fine tannins and quenching natural acidity that carries a long, generous finish. It is powerful, almost voluptuous, but never heavy – a beautifully composed Cabernet Franc that will age gracefully.

This style is tailor‑made for lean red meats, gamey poultry and hard cheeses – think lamb rack, duck breast with cherries, or a well‑aged cheddar where the wine’s perfume and structure really shine. It will also work brilliantly with chargrilled vegetables, herb‑crusted pork or mushroom dishes that echo its savoury, graphite‑like nuances. Decant for a couple of hours and enjoy now, or cellar for a decade plus to unlock extra layers of spice, earth and cigar‑box complexity.