Moss Wood has achieved Cabernet perfection


 
 

Moss Wood has achieved Cabernet perfection…

 

Our annual allocation and sample bottles from one of Margaret River’s most respected producers, Moss Wood have arrived. Early reports ex-Australia and from some of the country’s leading critics have been impressive (in reality, we are purposely playing this down as one has scored 100-points and another 99-points), which ups the ante with our sample bottles.

We do not place critics on a pedestal, but we do enjoy comparing our tasting notes alongside theirs. Often, there is a delay with sampling, which can benefit the latter taster, particularly if wines are recently bottled (as we experienced with the 2019 Utopos collection). Standish ‘19s were released to the world yesterday, whereas we were super-lucky to have had a special release date in February. We will be re-sampling the entire collection in a few weeks as the wines are due to arrive in the UK soon. 

Today, we sampled both the newly released ’19 Chardonnay and ’18 Cabernet Sauvignon from Moss Wood which are magnificent. The Chardonnay is showing gloriously and displays incredible depth and complexity, albeit embryonic, given its tender age. The balance and precision are both breathtaking. Unquestionably, this will be magnificent in ten years.

Anticipation surrounded the huge scoring ’18 Cabernet Sauvignon – We decanted (for 3-4 hours) and enjoyed sampling throughout the afternoon. My first thought centres around the gracefulness which is haunting in its beauty, it is so rare to find an Australian Cabernet displaying such majestic perfection. Certainly, one of the most profound Cabernet Sauvignons I have sampled from Margaret River. Ray (Jordan) is spot on with his ‘Margaux’ assessment as the similarities to this commune are undeniable.

We are not the agents for Moss Wood – As such, we receive an allocation and that’s the lot. Our Chardonnay allocation is small with only 96 bottles on offer. Our Cabernet allocation is more generous with double the amount, which we have split 50/50 between under bond (by the case of six) and duty paid by the bottle. The Chardonnay is strictly offered duty paid only…

Watch Clare and Keith Mugford, winemakers come proprietors of Moss Wood, discussing their Cabernet Sauvignon

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Firstly, we reveal the reviews from the Antipodean critics as they are fascinating to read. Our views are towards the footer of our exciting offer.

 
 

Ray Jordan, 99 Points

BEST JUST GOT BETTER

 

"dare I suggest, it might be their greatest"

“This is getting just ridiculous. From the time the heavyweights of WA wine started to reveal their wines from the 2018 vintage, it has been a cavalcade of one great wine after another… Now, I have another problem, albeit it a good one. Moss Wood have just released their 2018 cabernet sauvignon. And, oh, here’s a shock, it is without doubt one of their greatest – dare I suggest, it might be their greatest. Read on for that pronouncement.

Winemaker Keith Mugford reckons that 2018 was just about perfect. “If you couldn’t make a decent wine from this vintage, you only have yourself to blame,” he said.

In some ways, the 2018 is the style of Moss Wood that caused slightly negative comments on the earliest Moss Woods, suggesting the wines were nice but wouldn’t last. Well, weren’t they seriously off the mark? You see, Moss Wood is subtle, refined, understated and almost pretty.

The 2018 is so exquisitely perfumed, almost in the vein of a Margaux, and beautifully poised and refined with an effortless length and power all expressed with that typical Moss Wood polish.

After sipping my Moss Wood tasting bottle, I took it with me to try with friends later. And it was spectacular, even better on the second day. I reckon if it were possible, I would be enjoying it even more in 40-years time.

It is classic Moss Wood that ranks with their best. Is it their best? Yes.

As I suspected in anticipation, a great wine from a great vintage. This is a glorious statement from one of the great estates in Margaret River. Classical medium weight in that understated Moss Wood way. Perfectly integrated oak and fine, chalky tannins for support. Leafy cabernet notes on the nose with a touch of light bay leaf and brick dust. The minerally edge  to the palate holds the line through to the very long finish. The length on the palate is extraordinary. Best drinking: now till 2050.”

 

Who is Ray (shame on you!)?

Ray Jordan has been writing about wine for nearly forty years.  Born and bred in Australia, Ray published his first articles in the early issues of the national wine magazine Winestate in the late 1970s. He is currently Wine Editor for Seven West Media, contributing two weekly columns to The West Australian. In 2017, Ray co-authored (with Peter Forrestal) the definitive book on the emergence of Margaret River titled ‘The Way it Was: A history of the early days of the Margaret River wine industry.’ He has also written no less than seventeen West Australian Wine Guides. Ray has been awarded the WA Wine Press Club Jack Mann Medal for his contribution to the West Australian wine industry.

 

100 Points - Sam Kim, The Wine Orbit

“Can a Cabernet be any finer, better structured and more engaging? This gloriously composed wine shows crème de cassis, spicy oak, subtle cigar, game and rich floral aromas on the nose, leading to an immensely concentrated palate offering exceptional depth and drive. Offering waves of refined texture and delicious flavours, classically structured by loads of fine tannins, finishing seductively long and gratifying. At its best: 2028 to 2058.”

Sam Kim is based in New Zealand, although his reach is truly global. He has been judging wine for the last 20 years at various wine competitions and writing for several magazines, including the New Zealand International Wine Show, The Spiegelau International Wine Competition, The Air New Zealand Wine Awards, The New World Wine Awards, Marlborough Wine Show, Decanter Asia Wine Awards, Decanter Magazine and Cuisine Magazine. Sam has since created his own website called The Wine Orbit, where he posts his latest reviews and articles.

 

Our Tasting Notes

 
 

Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

99-100 Points - Stuart McCloskey "As pure as a young bouquet can be – Astonishing. This is one of the hardest tasting notes I have written as my mind is going ten-to-the-dozen with excitement, but I am conscious that I must slow down and communicate my experience which is super difficult as I am sure my descriptions will totally fail to capture what is in my glass. Why? Save for 2010 Châteaux Ausone, Margaux and Vieux Château Certan (sampled at their respective Châteaux during the 2010 En-Primeur tasting), this is one of the most moving young wines I have ever tasted. Immediately, I am drawn to the palate feel which is sensual and seductive, but and an important point, beguiling in its gracefulness. I adore the freshness, the purity. So, effortless in its grace. Perfectly ripe, polished and chiselled into a great masterpiece. The bouquet reveals dark, brooding berries, fresh mint, liquorice, lavender with the faintest touch of lead pencil – the entire experience feels fresh and cooling. The flavour profile follows a similar line with the fruit marrying beautifully with the fine-boned structure and filigree, silky tannins. Again, everything feels so pure. I have been thinking non-stop about this wine for 24 hours (sampled over two days). I worry that I am not doing it justice - It’s that good. Clearly, there is something wondrous on display – The haunting grace of this wine is something very special indeed. I am happy to enjoy this wine now and every year from 2021 to 2041. Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Decanted for 6 hours. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware."

99-100 Points - Magdalena Sienkiewicz "Immediately, you can sense that you are in the presence of something very special. It’s beguiling perfume must be one of the most beautiful I have ever experienced. I am unsure whether describing individual notes and aromas would do it justice, as this wine is all about perfect harmony. Everything feels effortless, which makes this wine even more astonishing. I’m speechless and therefore, please excuse a short note. It’s the sort of wine that simply must be experienced. A truly magnificent wine today, it will be a real privilege and joy to watch its evolution over many years. Sampled using Zalto Bordeaux glassware over two days."

**Available for delivery from Friday 14th May**

£270.00 per case IB (6x75cl) 
16 cases available

£60.50 per bottle
96 bottles available

 

Moss Wood Chardonnay 2019

98 Points - Stuart McCloskey "The wine looks incredibly inviting as it glistens in the glass. The bouquet is razor sharp and reveals Meyer lemon, buttered lemon, the faintest whiff of fresh vanilla pod, mineralité, sea spray and all capped off with a posy of delicate white flowers. In fact, and with a little aeration, there is a never-ending array of aromas, and life for this wine has only just started. The palate lives up to my expectations and bursts with vitality. The tension is palpable as is the tightly coiled energy which, and to some degree, you would expect given its tender age. The wine is perfectly balanced – pristine and in tune with wonderment. The fruit is rich with a little buttered feel to the texture. At this age, the palate feel is off the charts… Waves of saline kissed lemon and white flowers balance with a perfect line of acidity. Wait a minute or two and your palate will be gently kissed by a dusting of spice and warmth from a little white pepper. Just brilliant. This wine epitomises everything great about Margaret River / Aussie Chardonnay. I am in awe. Today, this comfortably merits 98 points and is a joy, but this is a wine which deserves to be cellared for 8-10 years. Then, and only then, I believe you will have perfection… Decanted for 1-2 hours (served over two days) and sampled using Zalto Bordeaux glassware."

98 Points - Magdalena Sienkiewicz "A stunning show, which is hardly a surprise. Highly expressive and vibrant with aromas of citrus, ripe stone fruits and buttered pastry. I love how the perfume marries the cascading fruit with elegant flowers and the hallmark maritime character. The aromas intensify with time in the glass and develop flamboyant toffee notes on the second day of sampling. Of course, the sky high quality shows on the palate as well. The combination of expressive fruit, depth and complexity of its structure is off the charts. Rich textures flow seamlessly and I am impressed to see Moss Wood Chardonnay being so vivacious and generous despite its early days, which will make it ever so difficult not to glug in its youth. Sampled using Zalto Bordeaux glassware over two days."

**Available for delivery from Friday 14th May**

£34.95 per bottle
Only 96 bottles available

 

Another captivating video from Clare & Keith, discussing their superb Chardonnay

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A deeper look at today’s release…

 

Keith Mugford openly admits that he is obsessed about the weather, especially during the growing season. It comes up in conversation a lot,  which is hardly a surprise when considering how much is riding on it. With Keith’s insights, we can illustrate this in two ways…

“In order to keep the vineyard safe from fungal disease, we monitor the weather to decide how and what treatments we should use. For example, our primary cover comes from Sulphur, a topical treatment for powdery mildew, that washes off with too much rain. We have to keep a close eye on the amount and timing of precipitation and if we get too much, reapply a treatment, even if only a few days have passed since the last.

Another way of understanding the focus on the weather is to consider temperature and how its fluctuations affect us. In the end, the fundamental quality of the wines we make, from any variety, entirely dependent on how well the grapes ripened and which is a direct result of the daily temperatures we receive.

We look back fondly at our early vintages and marvel at the innocence of the time. Of course, we tried hard to make the best wine we could but we knew so little about what we were dealing with.

Each year was a new adventure and we sailed blindly into it, with very limited experience to use as a guide as to what quality and style we might expect. Of course, we had the excellent modelling by Dr John Gladstones, who’s work showed we could anticipate good quality in an average Margaret River season but that was nothing like the detailed understanding of the vineyard we have today.

With 48 vintages at Moss Wood under the belt, we now approach each season with clearer ideas. We monitor the vine growth stages and temperatures and can gain significant insight into what style of wine we might be heading for and what management techniques we can apply to give the best outcomes. It’s a lot different to the old days and no wonder we are obsessed by it.

There is, however, a delicious irony. No matter what we know about the season we’ve experienced to date, we can never know beyond a day or so what the future holds. We’re never as smart as we think we are because Mother Nature loves to deal us wild cards. It’s the game we’re in. It is said the price of Liberty is eternal vigilance and this has been re-worked in the name of many causes so perhaps we could fashion it into a viticultural statement that the price of high-quality wine is eternal vigilance?”

 

Keith’s reflections on 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

“If we were lucky enough to be able to order up our growing seasons, we’d go to that web page and click on 2017-18 just about every time, although we’d probably hesitate over 2000-01 for a moment or two. It would be a tough choice deciding which of the two was better and since we’re talking nerdy stuff, let’s make the comparison. The mighty 2001 enjoyed a season where the average temperature was 19.4°C, and Cabernet Sauvignon took 126 days to ripen to 13.5°Baume, receiving 1210 hours between 18-28°C. The 2018’s numbers were 128 days to achieve 13.6° Baume, after 1197 hours. To give some idea of how similar these are, the average temperatures can vary between 18.7-21.1°C, days vary between 100-130 days and hours between 1000 and 1250. As an aside, these numbers might provide an insight into why Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon wines taste similar but never exactly the same.

For consumers, it’s what’s in the glass that matters and the same is true for us. As much as there is some wonderful consistency between those two years, when we decide on the picking time for any variety, it is always based on the flavours in the grapes. By monitoring the seasonal conditions, we were hopeful there would be exciting quality in 2018 because the temperature comparison with 2001 told us so. However, we made the decision to harvest when the flavour profile was at its best not when the numbers lined up, although we can see it’s no coincidence. All this to tell you the 2018 growing season is one of the very best.

We received above average rainfall for 2017 and to keep the vines well-watered, 267mm fell during the growing season, including a very handy 25mm in early February.

Flowering conditions were largely benign, without serious interruption by heavy rain or low temperatures. There were no problems with disease and we kept hungry birds at bay by applying our nets. This meant yields were good with Cabernet Sauvignon up 18%, to 8.67 tonnes per hectare and Petit Verdot up 9% to 6.06 tonnes per hectare. Cabernet Franc let the side down slightly, with a yield reduction of 11% to 5.21 tonnes per hectare. Each variety marched comfortably through to ripeness on or a day or so later than average..

Having got to this point, readers may be asking themselves did we get the job done properly in the winery? Fortunately, the answer is yes. As is so often the case with the great years, the wine essentially made itself. For all 3 varieties, after hand picking and sorting, the destemmed fruit was put into small open tanks, seeded for fermentation with multiple yeast strains and hand plunged 3 times per day. Skin contact was a very typical 2 weeks, after which the wine was pressed to stainless steel tank for malolactic fermentation. Upon completion, each batch was racked to 228 litres French oak barrels, where it stayed for 30 months.

In October 2020 all barrels were racked and blended in stainless steel and the final blend consists of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Fining trials were carried out and it was no surprise that none of the agents improved the tannin balance, so the wine remained unfined. It was then sterile filtered and bottled on 2nd November, 2020.”

 

Notes on 2019 Chardonnay

“Margaret River has developed a tremendous reputation for its Chardonnay wines and yet the variety’s contribution to the total vineyard area in our region doesn’t really reflect this. Consumers may also notice the relative scarcity of Margaret River Chardonnays on retail shelves and restaurant wine lists. The reasons for this were front and centre for the 2019 vintage.

While we have generally very good conditions for grape growing, our maritime climate can be a blessing and a curse. We enjoy a wet but mild winter which means the temperatures do not drop low enough to keep the early varieties, and Chardonnay in particular, in a long dormancy.

For example, as I’m writing (at the end of August), the Moss Wood Chardonnay is now well into budburst. However, the wet and cold weather hasn’t finished and, in some years, can run through until December. Those sensitive new shoots are at risk of being damaged by strong winds, hail and even frost. Add to this the variety’s relative softness, which makes viticulturists joke that it’s the one which will catch a cold, and it becomes clear that the Margaret River and Chardonnay do not always get along.

To put it bluntly, in 2019 we saw all the things that can go wrong. Frost is not an especially common event here but Moss Wood’s topography does make us somewhat frost prone. Cold air can collect in our little valley and will sit over two of the Chardonnay blocks and on very cold nights we get frosts. Serious frosts occurred in 1981, 1982, 1987, 2017 and 2018, although we can get light frosts in just about any year. The ’81 event was very nasty, coming as it did in mid-October, wiping out the bottom third of the Moss Wood vineyard. With it went more than 80% in each of the Chardonnay, Semillon and Cabernet Sauvignon blocks in that area.

In 2018, on 15th September, we had a frost of almost the same scale but were lucky in some respects, because Cabernet Sauvignon had not been through budburst so we were spared the worst. However, two of our Chardonnay blocks copped a nasty hit. The temperature at our weather station, well above the cold zone, dropped to 0.3°C. Ouch! Losses in both were 90% and Clare and Keith became media personalities for a week or so after it was picked up by the press.

What followed was everything we don’t like about a Margaret River spring. Over the 50 days during which the Chardonnay flowered, we had 14 days of rain and 15 days when the temperature dropped below 8°C, all of which disrupted the process. The only thing we didn’t get was hail, so perhaps we should be thankful. The resulting yield of 3.61 tonnes per hectare was a dismal 47% down.

After flowering things progressed relatively easily but Mother Nature had one last trick up her sleeve for 2019 – the birds. The redgum flowering was virtually non-existent and the silvereye birds developed a voracious appetite for grapes. We applied nets to keep them off and had some success and the losses were minimised but the already small crop meant we had to pick and sort every bunch as carefully as possible.

After this tale of woe, readers will be amused to know the season was absolutely brilliant for ripening conditions and flavour development. Temperatures remained moderate right through the summer and Chardonnay received only 6 hours where the mercury exceeded 33°C. It made its way lazily to full ripeness over 121 days, using up 1130 hours between 18° and 28°C from flowering to harvest, a week longer than normal, crossing the finish line on 25th March at a ripeness of 13.1° Baume, exactly its long-term average. We could not have been happier with how it all tasted.

The fruit was hand-picked, sorted and whole-bunch pressed and the juice was settled in stainless steel for 48 hours. The clear juice was then racked to stainless steel, with a small inclusion of solids and seeded with multiple yeast strains for primary fermentation. At the half way mark, the fermenting must was racked to wood to complete the process. All the barrels were 228 litre French oak and 50% were new. After primary fermentation the wine then underwent malolactic fermentation and upon completion all barrels were racked to stainless steel, blended, analysed and adjusted for acidity and SO2.

The finished wine was then returned to barrel, where it stayed until the end of June, 2020. At this point all barrels were racked and blended in stainless steel and fining trials were carried out. The wine was fined with bentonite, for protein stability and then sterile filtered and bottled on 13th July, 2020.”