The History and Evolution of Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon: 1994-1996 We've Got This Thing Worked Out

On to 1994 and what is, perhaps, our most underrated vintage. It was a very good growing season, which gave us slightly above average yields, within reason, now seen as a good thing for Cabernet Sauvignon, and excellent ripeness of both fruit flavours and tannin.

The balance and drinkability of the wine was reminiscent of 1980 and it was always wonderfully approachable as a youngster and very popular with consumers.  Why would such a good wine be underrated? The answer lies in the quality of the two vintages that followed.

Mother Nature decided that warm to hot would be the theme of 1994/95 and this led to slightly below average yields but higher than average ripeness. From the outset, the wine displayed ripe Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of red currant and mulberry, the latter being something we were beginning to look for more and more.

On the palate, it had remarkable balance, with fine, concentrated tannins, something not always seen in the lower cropped years.  This gave tremendous early appeal and the wine was an immediate hit with consumers and critics alike and is probably the fastest selling Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon. Ever.

Warm and dry continued in 1995/96, albeit a little cooler and more damp than the previous year. Benign conditions prevailed during spring and so yields were excellent and slightly above average. The excellent weather rolled right through into autumn and there was no daily panic over the 2-week weather forecasts. The sunny days just kept coming.

All the Cabernet varieties, which included Petit Verdot for the first time, moved steadily to full ripeness and we took each one off as they hit the target. The finished wine aligned in style with 1991, with similar generosity but with different complexity, most likely a product of the change in the blend. Once again, it was immediately very popular.

This grape growing and winemaking lark was all easy peasy, or so it seemed. The ravages of 1980 and 1981 had drifted into the mists of time.  It was all about to change.