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.
97 Points James Halliday
Hand-picked, destemmed to open fermenters with cultured yeast, 7 days fermentation and 7 days post-ferment maceration, matured for 28 months in French barriques (30% new). A powerful, full-bodied cabernet that still manages to achieve finesse thanks to the perfect balance of fruit, oak and tannins. An autocratic portrait of cabernet, and of photographic reality.