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 2022 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.
"96 Points. A lot of work was put into rejuvenating this vineyard when Moss Wood acquired it, and it has certainly paid off handsomely with merlot in particular. It’s now recognised as one of Australia’s consistently best. This is another cracker combining the suppleness of the fruit with power and poise. You are getting a serious red wine here with deeply concentrated fruit impelled through to a very long finish. Firm tannins give this structure."- Ray Jordan, rayjordanwine.com.au.
"95 Points. The 2022 Ribbon Vale Merlot is from a warm, dry and early vintage; the confluence of these climatic conditions has come together as a superb red wine vintage in the region. Aromatically, the wine leads with redcurrant and pomegranate molasses, raw cocoa and tapenade. On the spice register, we see nutmeg, clove, anise and cinnamon. It’s floral, as well. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the tannins - chalky and ultra fine, pulverized rather than in stratum. Wow. This is excellent, just sheer elegance. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."- Erin Larkin,
Robert Parker Wine Advocate.
