Maker:
Planted in 1969, Moss Wood is an important, founding estate of the Margaret River wine region, located in the northern sub–region of Wilyabrup, Western Australia. Clare & Keith Mugford, as winemakers, viticulturalists & proprietors, have been making wine & tending the vineyard at Moss Wood since 1984 & 1979, respectively. Their exacting viticulture ensures the production of grapes of excellent quality & they have created a stable of fine wines distinguished by their consistency over each vintage & their ability to age superbly. Being part of the Langton’s ‘Exceptional’ ranking since 1991 and other internationally respected wine awards, the couple has also proven that other Moss Wood wines, like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillons, showcase exceptional quality and longevity.
Moss Wood believes that wine quality is determined in the vineyard and viticultural techniques are constantly reassessed and informed by current research, both of others and our own. This has seen trials and improvements in trellising systems, soil conservation practices and pruning practices. The Moss Wood and Ribbon Vale Vineyards are located in the Wilyabrup sub-region, the heart of the Margaret River wine region. At 115° 18’ east longitude and approximately three hours drive south of Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, Margaret River is recognised as one of the world’s great wine producing regions garnering international acclaim for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in particular. The margaret river site is inspired by the scientific work of Dr John Gladstones who identified the value of the maritime climate for the production of high quality wine and is one of the most isolated and pure grape growing regions in the world, sitting immediately besides the pristine Indian Ocean.
Vineyard:
Mother Nature was in a relatively benign mood in 2021. Temperatures were mild but not too cold and flowering extended for 5 weeks, during which we received 12 days of rain, when a total of 89mm fell and only 6 days when the temperature dropped below 8°C. All quite conducive to good fruit set, although yields were down slightly. No damaging storms bringing strong wind or hail and no frost problems. It also meant the flowering dates for all the Cabernet varieties were just about spot on average. Mild conditions prevailed through the summer, so ripening progressed slowly and it became clear we were going to have a late season. Despite the mild temperatures, Cabernet Sauvignon had sufficient time on the vines to achieve full ripeness courtesy of earlier flowering.
Wine Style/Cuvee:
All the fruit was hand-picked and delivered to the winery, where it was sorted, destemmed and placed into small, open fermenters for fermentation. Skin contact time varied a little between batches, with pressing done after 13 to 16 days. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in stainless steel and once completed all batches were racked to wood. The barrels were 228 litre French oak and 16% were new.
Tasting:
NOSE - Perfumed, Musk, Nutmeg & Clove Spices
An intense array of primary fruit notes, including blueberries, raspberries, red currant, mulberry, plum and musk, as well as a touch of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove spices. Cabernet Sauvignon’s classic floral note of violets adds volume. The complexities in the background include cedar, tobacco and tar, the “cigar box” combination, plus some light toasty oak.
PALATE - Mulberry, Medium, Svelte
The theme of the red and dark fruits continues, with black currant, cherry, blueberry, mulberry and dark jube flavours filling the mouth. They sit over a medium to full body, with bright acidity and soft, well integrated, svelte, almost chocolate-like, tannin.
Finish - Cedar, Toast, Anise
The wine is long and finishes with cedar and toasty oak, with perhaps a touch of star anise.
One of Australia’s great cabernets. This from a cooler season highlights and accentuates the typical bright red fruits and blue fruit mix, especially on the nose. It’s aromatic and perfumed with an African violet scent. The palate as always is so exquisitely balanced and refined. Since 1989 the cabernet has been augmented with the floral bright fruit of cabernet franc and the darker robust black fruits of petit verdot. The palate delivers with a gentle restraint yet there is power deep within. The chalky tannins define a long and focussed finish. A deceptive medium bodied wine that will cellar for many years. - Ray Jordan, 98 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Petit Verdot 7%, Cabernet Franc 3%
Country - Australia
Region - Margaret River, Western Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
