Reviews Archives - Moss Wood

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2020 Merlot – Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine

When Australia’s finest merlots are discussed this one must be in the mix. Recent vintages have been stunning, and I have to say this one, which combines the concentrated intensity of the small 2020 vintage with such supreme elegance, is as good as any released and that includes the 2018. In fact, stylistically, I think this velvety smooth, perfumed and so finely elegant wine pips it. The combination of sweet red fruit with a chalky tannin wrap creates such a perfect expression of the variety. Needs more time than the ’18.

November, 2023

98 Points

Rating: Stars

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon – Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine

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

96 Points

Rating: Stars

Moss Wood 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon – Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine

A bottle of Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon wine laying on a table

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

99 Points

Rating: Stars

Moss Wood 2021 Pinot Noir – Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine

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

96 Points

Rating: Stars

Moss Wood 2022 Chardonnay – Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine

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

95 Points

Rating: Stars

Moss Wood 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon – Huon Hooke, The Real Review

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

94 Points

Rating: Stars

Moss Wood 2022 Chardonnay – Fergal Gleeson, Great Wine Blog

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

Rating: 5 Stars

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2022 Chardonnay – Ned Goodwin, jamessuckling.com

A bottle of Ribbon Vale wine laying on a table

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

90 Points

Rating: 5 Stars

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2021 Merlot – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

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

93 Points

Rating: Stars

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

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

93 Points

Rating: Stars