Domaine Naturaliste Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc 2019

I am a big fan of Cabernet Franc and this one is delicious. This is the second release from Domaine Naturaliste and they have really allowed the Franc expression to shine. Aged in 40% new 500 litre puncheons, the oak is gentle and considered. The pretty, delicate nose of violets and lead pencil give way to a medium bodied wine with a slippery, powdery texture. Slate stones and leafy notes add a juicy quality to the wine whilst the granular tannins provide a firm support. I loved the savoury spectrum of this wine that serves as a common thread through the whole palate.

Annette Lacey MW

Master of Wine at Solotel

Annette is currently the Group Beverage Manager for Solotel, a diverse hospitality group also having worked in some of Sydney’s finest restaurants as a sommelier including Banc, Claudes and Marque. She completed the rigorous Masters of Wine programme in 2020, was a professional winner in the 2014 Vin de Champagne Award, a Len Evans scholar and wine judge. She also is a fantastic communicator in wine and sprits including as a lecturer for the WSET.

Wine criticwine writer and wine buyer