Established by Doctor Bill and Sandra Pannell in 1969, the inaugural release of the Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon was in 1973, where only 250 dozen bottles were produced. The wine has since become highly celebrated, largely due to its reputation for graceful ageing.
The unirrigated, dry-grown 15-hectare vineyard is located on north-east-facing, gently sloping sandy and gravelly red-brown loams over clay. Now owned by winemaker Keith Mugford and his wife Clare, the vineyard’s management is focused on sustainable farming practices and optimisation of fruit quality.
95 Points James Halliday
Classic, austere regional/varietal expression; curiously, the grip is more evident on entry than on the finish and aftertaste, thanks to superfine tannins.
96 Points Jeremy Oliver
Deep dark ruby red in colour, typically ripe and sumptuous, with a confiture-like array of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, mulberry and dark plum flavour handsomely cloaked in cedar/vanilla oak and coated by exceptionally fine, dusty and powdery tannin. Scented with violets and dried herbs, it’s heady and perfumed. Smooth and silky, it finishes with exemplary length and depth of cassis and berry-like fruit, a hint of warmth and a light mineral presence. Powerful, statuesque and assertive, it’s very impressively balanced.