Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

* Available for delivery August 2023 *

99 Points - Ray Jordan

THE LATEST MOSS WOOD CABERNET HAS BEEN RELEASED. AND YET AGAIN IT WILL IT SNUGGLY IN THE TOP ECHELON OF NEW RELEASE AUSSIE CABERNETS.

It is a great wine from this great Margaret River estate. But it also a wine with a difference from recent releases, although it is still unmistakably Moss Wood.

The most striking thing is that this is one of the prettiest and perfumed of any Moss Wood I can recall. And that’s saying something because Moss Wood is known for its perfumes and aromatics as much as it is for its soft palate profile.

This one is also somewhat closed and restrained on the palate now with its firm thread of chalky tannin holding things tightly, to the point where I suspect it will be at least 20 years before it starts to reveal its true potential.

Another simply sublime edition of this great wine. The volume of fruit was down almost 60% but the small berry influence has added even more intensity and depth, if that is possible with this wine. Interesting point of difference is that the combination is slightly different from previous vintages with 90% cabernet sauvignon, 3% cabernet franc and 7% petit verdot. The petit verdot certainly brings a darker berry influence with slightly firmer tannins. The aromas are a seductively perfumed with a combination of violet and redcurrant with a subtle black olive and mulberry. But the palate, oh the palate, is simply a joy. Smooth graceful lines with fine chalky tannins supply essential definition and support and harmoniously played oak. At the moment it is quite restrained but with age, a treasure trove of delights will be released. It is a wine destined for even greater things. Extraordinary.       

Cellar: 30 years

Stuart McCloskey "Such an evocative bouquet of black cherries, blueberry, lots of red fruits, anise, fruit cake spice, lavender, florals (iris), graphite, sweet, rolled tobacco, fresh cedar, the faintest hint of vanilla and blood orange (The infusion is magnificent). The palate is harmonious with an almost ethereal quality – rather mesmerising in an understated way. Confident, cohesive and luxurious whilst retaining a discreet side. This is going to be a very special wine with essential bottle age (a minimum of 10-15 years) however, perfect sensuality, fine tannins (there are no hard edges) and the silky-smooth sheen will satisfy those who lack patience. For now, the flavours fan out and flow to the magical tune of ripe mulberry, a cornucopia of black fruits, blueberry compote and sweet, exotic spice. Decant for 3-4 hours, sit back and immerse yourself into the caressing, lapping waves of wonderfulness… Just a joy. Drink now (just one bottle to satisfy one’s curiosity) and nestle the rest away for a decade or two. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.”