Domaine Naturaliste Rachis Syrah 2023

Tasting Notes

🔹 Colour – Deep crimson with remarkable clarity.

🔹 Aromas – Blackberry, dark cherry, mulberry, black pepper, cloves, and a subtle touch of smoked meat.

🔹 Palate – Rich, full-bodied, with ripe blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, espresso, and vanilla.

🔹 Finish – Long, satisfying finish with lingering dark fruit and subtle spice.

Food Pairings 🍴

🔹 Lamb Chops – Grilled on an open flame, the richness of lamb complements the wine’s depth of flavour.

🔹 Rich Pasta Dishes – Perfect with hearty Bolognese or mushroom ragu, where the wine’s fruit and tannins balance the richness.

🔹 Aged Deli Meats – Aged prosciutto or salami pairs wonderfully with the savoury notes and dark fruit of this Shiraz.

Awards 🥇

97pts IWSC 2025 “seductive aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and a pinch of crunchy black pepper. The exquisitely textured palate delights with fresh blueberry and juicy pastille flavours, leading to a rich, smoky finish that resonates beautifully.”

Judging panel comments: “An incredible style of Shiraz, very elegant.” Vincenzo Arnese.“..bouyant in style” Andrew Calliard MW. “The top Shiraz was vibrant and spicy” Gabrielle Poy. “We had one beautiful Shiraz that was head and shoulders above the others we have tasted this week” Joseph Arthur.

92 pts Ray Jordan “Vibrant fruit on the nose sprinkled with spices and carrying a lovely savoury element. The medium-bodied palate has plenty with its supple structure and fine oak and tannin combination supporting a healthy layer of generous fruit. Elegant and stylish.”

92pts Erin Larkin, Parker Advocate “..spicy and aromatic, with dark chocolate and blackberries, leather, licorice and blood orange. In the mouth, the fruit is bright, and tannins are fine, moving toward silty. This is an impressive iteration of Margaret River Syrah from a producer that has long championed its virtues in the region.”

Winemaking & Natural Practices

🔹 100% Shiraz (Syrah) – A pure expression of Shiraz from Margaret River.

🔹 Oak Puncheons – Aged in large barrels for gentle oak integration, preserving fresh fruit character.

🔹 Sur Lie – Aged on lees for added richness and complexity.

Storage & Serving Tips

🔹 Best Serving Temperature – 16–18°C to allow the wine’s aromas and flavours to fully express themselves.

🔹 Storage – Best enjoyed now but will evolve beautifully for the next 10 years.

🔹 Decanting – Not necessary but can decant for 60 minutes to enhance aromas and flavours.

FAQ 🤔

❓ What are phenolic tannins?
Phenolic tannins contribute to mouthfeel, structure, and ageing potential. They are derived from grape skins, seeds, and stems and provide a drying sensation on the palate.

❓ What does ‘Sur Lie’ mean?
Sur lie refers to aging the wine on its dead yeast cells, adding richness, complexity, and texture.

❓ Why use oak puncheons?
Puncheons are large oak barrels that allow for gentle oak integration while maintaining the wine’s fresh fruit character.

Additional Info

🔹 Grape Variety – 100% Shiraz (Syrah)
🔹 Region – Margaret River, Western Australia
🔹 Alcohol – 14.0% ABV | 8.3 Standard Drinks
🔹 Cellaring Potential – Up to 10 years
🔹 Closure – Screwcap
🔹 Maturation – Aged in oak puncheons for added complexity.