I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I was excited about tasting these Moss Wood 2023 releases today. The season in Margaret River was sensational—truly. It was mild and long, with rain at all the right times. There was a spot of rain about at the end of the season that, depending on the vineyard location, could have caused issues for some later-ripening red vineyards; however, it was mostly categorically excellent, as most of the resulting wines have tended to be. Here, the 2023 Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is delicate, red-fruited and spicy, with long, wrapping tannins and savory spices that feather the edges. This is elegant and fresh, with raspberry, redcurrant, pomegranate, some tapenade and tobacco. It’s a gorgeous wine. I like the fact that the oak feels stable and in the background of the fruit; it arrives completely unimpeded and finishes in much the same way. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink date: 2026 – 2038