Another stunner from the 2020 vintage. This vintage shows slightly more sweet fruit than some previously, yet the firm tannin core remains a structural feature that is part vineyard and part season. Plenty of dark fruits woven with a trace of black olives, bay leaf and oyster shell minerality. So balanced and expressive with an effortlessly long finish.
November, 2023
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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.
May, 2023
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This cooler vintage was ideal for pinot from this part of Margaret River. Perfumed and highly scented aromas of strawberry and sour cherry with a slightly truffly influence. The velvety palate captures that iron fist in a velvet varietal character. Smooth and seamless with a gossamer like sheen. Beautiful.
November, 2023
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Another cracking good chardonnay from Moss Wood. The aroma is immediately engaging with a floral lemon scent and a slight vanilla bean essence. Subtle cut lime and pear edge into add some further complexity. The palate is a powerful statement with a deeply intense creamy stone fruit and edgy lemon rind combination working together. Gathers momentum towards a long finish.
November, 2023
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A very good bottle of this classic Moss Wood cabernet which is still showing it has years to live and is a robust vintage of this wine. A powerful and elegant wine, eight years since I last tasted a bottle. It is maturing gracefully.
Published November 15, 2023
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The Moss Wood house style is rich and at the complex end of the Margaret River spectrum. Sourced from the historic Wilyabrup estate vineyard, there is no attempt to force a lean or mineral Chardonnay from the site. It’s full bodied but shapely.
Lime and nectarine fruit flavours, marmalade and roasted almonds are all on show. All beautifully balanced with a refreshingly long finish.
It packs a startling intensity which mark it out from more modest Chardonnays and will age for 10+ years for those with the patience to cellar.
December, 2023
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This is a contrarian approach to chardonnay, distinctively forward and fruity, reminiscent of older school Australiana. Attractively so, at least for those seeking respite from the linear, mineral pungency of more contemporary expressions. Mid-weighted. A blast of creamed cashew, nougatine, white peach and dried hay, melds with vanillin oak. Salacious, in the best way. Drink or hold.
June, 2023
Plum, cherry, new leather, choc-hazelnut, tobacco and black olive, a honey/miny/floral top note. It’s medium-bodied, savoury, some tobacco and savoury stuff, a liquorice and nougat flavour, silty and grainy tannin, quite some flesh on its bones, baked raspberry, plenty of chew and succulence with a grainy and saline finish of excellent length. Really like this.
November, 2023
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Red and black fruits, cedar, some dried flowers and mint, blonde tobacco. It’s medium-bodied with an understated claret-like charm, and don’t mind me, but there’s a distinct flavour of honey glazed ham in the mix, along with tobacco and dried herbs. The tannin offers a light grainy grip, and the finish is all red fruit and olives in brine. Nice.
November, 2023
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This intensely aromatic and bold 2022 Margaret River Chardonnay delivers powerful almond, nectarine peach skin fruit with a rich spicy French oak backbone. An impressive package follows with zesty acidity, rich compact fruit and taut oak providing immediate impact before more floral and citrus tones begin to emerge. Young and tight, it demands significant cellaring to hit its peak.
December, 2023
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