Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2021 Chardonnay – Fergal Gleeson, The Great Wine Blog

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Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2021 Chardonnay – Fergal Gleeson, The Great Wine Blog

Rating: Stars

 

Here it is! The first ever release of Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Chardonnay.

Interesting origin story – the high winds coming off the ocean have traditionally prevented the successful cultivation of Chardonnay in Moss Wood ‘s Ribbon Vale (RV) vineyard.

20 years ago the Mugford’s planted trees on the southerly border as wind breakers which have improved ripening of all the vineyard’s varietals Merlot Cabernet and Sauv Blanc but also allowed Chardonnay to thrive.

The 2021 Moss Wood RV Chardonnay is made in a more or less identical fashion to Moss Wood Chardonnay.

A fine line of citrus and stone fruit runs through the wine from start to finish. The oak fermentation and ageing in 25% new French new barrels adds to but doesn’t impose on the fruit.

It’s powerful and full bodied with the depth of fruit you find in the best Chardonnay’s from Margaret River.

Moss Wood planted Chardonnay as far back as 1976 so they know the varietal and terroir intimately.

No surprise then that the inaugural release of Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Chardonnay will nestle comfortably in amongst the best whites from the region and age for 10+ years with ease. 

4.5/5 stars.