Moss Wood have an internationally recognised reputation for producing some of the finest examples of Cabernet and Merlot outside of Bordeaux. Since the Mugford’s purchased the Ribbon Vale Vineyard back in 2000, they have been working tirelessly to produce the best possible examples of these varietals they could from this site.
The 2021 Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot reflects the winery's ongoing commitment to Margaret River Merlot, which continues to yield impressive results. The palate is dense with plenty of bright blackberry and satsuma plum fruit flavours filling the front and mid palate and the confectionery notes appear like musk sticks. There is nice mouth feel, with the full body complementing the quite dense tannin, the product of the low crop and cool late season. The finish has light toasty oak and coffee beans. Another impressive Moss Wood Merlot with a long future ahead of it.
"The 2021 Ribbon Vale Merlot leads with its vessel, but the fruit beneath is elegant and red fruited, shaped by fine, gritty tannins. The oak feels a little biscuity in this vintage, but I quite like that the fruit cannot be deterred. In the mouth, there are flavors of red earth and raspberry, cocoa and a hint of nori. I feel that time will be kind to this wine, as the fruit and oak, while separate at this stage, are reading from the same playbook. 2021 was a challenging vintage in Margaret River, especially for later-ripening red varietals, yet there were triumphs all over the place; and while this wine may take some time to come together, I feel this may have been one of them. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."- Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate.
