The latest Moss Wood cabernet has been released. And yet again it will it snuggly in the top echelon of new release Aussie cabernets.

It is a great wine from this great Margaret River estate. But it also a wine with a difference from recent releases, although it is still unmistakably Moss Wood.

The most striking thing is that this is one of the prettiest and perfumed of any Moss Wood I can recall. And that’s saying something because Moss Wood is known for its perfumes and aromatics as much as it is for its soft palate profile.

This one is also somewhat closed and restrained on the palate now with its firm thread of chalky tannin holding things tightly, to the point where I suspect it will be at least 20 years before it starts to reveal its true potential.

Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

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.                               
Cellar: 30 years

April 2023