Bruce Dukes is the gifted winemaker behind Margaret River’s Domaine Naturaliste, and the Rachis is his compelling Syrah. It is so named for the Latin term ‘rachis’, referring to a stalk to which berries cluster. In this particular cuvée, Dukes includes 1/3 whole bunch to make for surprisingly intense aromatics.

Thanks to its perfume of spice and red cherry, this is a Syrah that will drink just as well in its early years as in its dotage. It is matured for a year ‘sur lie’ in one-third new French Oak (contributing that gentle spice). A quintessential Margaret River Syrah that will live up to a decade.