Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 12pk 2021
James Halliday Top 100 wines of 2018 (over $30)
Proprietors and winemakers, Clare and Keith Mugford, have established an internationally recognised Margaret River landmark, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Being part of the Langton’s ‘Exceptional’ ranking since 1991 and other internationally respected wine awards, the couple has also proven that other Moss Wood wines, like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillons, showcase exceptional quality and longevity.
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2021
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.
Rating: 98 Points
Source: RAY JORDAN, RAY JORDAN WINE
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2021
Deep-ish red-purple colour, bright and fresh; the bouquet is briary, peaty, cedar and savoury forest-floor complexities overlying dark-berry/cassis/mulberry fruit, the palate elegant and intense with lovely depth of flavour and fine, caressing tannins that run the full length of the palate. Lovely wine indeed, and a triumph for a straight merlot.
Rating: 95 Points
Source: HUON HOOKE, THE REAL REVIEW
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2021
86% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon.
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.
Rating: 93+ Points
Source: Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2021
Aussie Merlot has rarely hit the heights that many once hoped, but there have certainly been some very fine examples and Moss Wood’s has always been among them.
A deep garnet hue, the nose gives appealing plum pudding and rich fruitcake notes. A hint of chocolate and dried fruit characters. Spices and a touch of rose water. This is balanced, seamless and with fresh acidity. Fine tannins and good grip. This has some impressive length and a lingering finish. There is room for improvement, but enjoy it any time over the next six to eight years.
Rating: 93 Points
Source: KEN GARGETT, WINE PILOT.COM
