Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022

I’ve been a fan of Bruce’s handling of Sauvignon Blanc for many years, and this vintage is no exception. Well before barrel ferments and time on lees was commonplace for Savvy B, Bruce was crafting textural, savoury Margaret River Sav Blanc and SBS. His 2022 Discovery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is two parts Sauvignon Blanc to one part Semillon, the higher percentage of Sem thanks to the fantastic growing conditions. One hundred percent barrel ferment and sur lie for three months in seasoned French oak. The nose invites with gooseberry, ripe white peach, a lively and very pretty lemon zest, fresh florals and wet stone minerality. There’s a savoury peach pip thing going on too – almost nuttiness. What a delight on the palate with clean and crystalline fruit notes, wildflower honey, honeysuckle, ripe peach, fuzzy peach skin and a slight saline minerality. Fruit leads into a savoury finish, with a touch of cheesecloth and blanched almond. With great fruit weight and acid drive, this is a delicious example of a Margaret River SBS, with solid length too.