History of Moss Wood
Moss Wood was established in 1969 by Bill and Sandra Pannell, visionaries who saw the potential of Margaret River to produce fine wine. They were among the first wave of pioneers in the region, planting Cabernet Sauvignon in the Wilyabrup subregion at a time when viticulture was virtually non-existent in this remote coastal zone.
Their early vintages—particularly the 1975 and 1976 Cabernets—garnered national and international acclaim, putting Margaret River on the global wine map. The wines’ stylistic contrast became legendary: 1975 was described as Audrey Hepburn for its elegance and restraint, while 1976 evoked Dolly Parton for its ripeness and bold character—a playful but telling comparison that lives on in Moss Wood’s storytelling.
In 1984, Moss Wood was purchased by Keith and Clare Mugford, who had already been working at the estate since the early 1980s. Keith, both viticulturist and winemaker, continues to lead the estate today, maintaining Moss Wood's commitment to estate-grown fruit, low yields, and minimal intervention winemaking. Clare manages the business operations, forming a husband-and-wife team that has preserved the integrity and identity of the original vineyard while expanding the portfolio.
Region and Vineyards
Moss Wood is located in the Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River, an area internationally recognized for producing Australia’s most refined expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The region enjoys a maritime climate, with the Indian Ocean tempering summer heat and extending the ripening period—ideal conditions for retaining acidity and achieving full phenolic maturity.
The estate manages two primary vineyard sites: the original Moss Wood Vineyard and the neighbouring Ribbon Vale Vineyard, acquired in 2000.
The Moss Wood Vineyard covers 11.78 hectares and is dry-farmed, relying solely on natural rainfall. The vineyard sits on north and east-facing slopes, with soils composed of gravelly, red-brown loam over clay—well-draining and mineral-rich, echoing the soil structure of Bordeaux. Vines are trellised using Scott Henry (for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and Te Kauwhata Two Tier systems (for Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot), designed to improve light penetration and air circulation. These methods, combined with minimal tillage and organic mulching, enhance soil health and preserve the surrounding ecosystem.
The Ribbon Vale Vineyard, first planted in 1977, encompasses 6.36 hectares on south and west-facing slopes, mirroring the terroir of Moss Wood. It is also unirrigated and farmed with the Scott Henry trellis system. The soils—gravelly loam over clay subsoils—provide excellent drainage and contribute to the vineyard’s consistently high-quality output. Here too, sustainable viticultural practices are central to the vineyard’s management.
This careful stewardship of terroir ensures that each wine reflects the nuances of place, with a style defined by structure, precision, and freshness.
Wine Range of Moss Wood
Moss Wood is best known for its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, which stands among Australia’s most prestigious and age-worthy wines. The style is structured, pure, and cellar-worthy, often compared favorably with top Bordeaux.
The portfolio also includes:
- Moss Wood Chardonnay: A full-bodied, oak-aged style with richness and finesse.
- Moss Wood Pinot Noir: An elegant and expressive interpretation, rare in this region.
- Ribbon Vale Range: Including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, offering single-site expressions with distinct character.
- Amy’s: A vibrant, youthful Bordeaux blend designed for early enjoyment.
Distinctions
Moss Wood has received widespread recognition both in Australia and abroad for its consistency and uncompromising quality. Some of the notable distinctions include:
- Langton’s Classification: Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is ranked in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, placing it among the country’s most collectible and iconic wines.
- James Halliday Wine Companion: Regularly rated as a Five Red Star Winery, indicating Moss Wood is "a producer of outstanding quality, regularly producing wines of exemplary character."
- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate & Vinous: Multiple vintages of Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon have been awarded high 90+ scores, reflecting its international reputation.
- Decanter & Wine Spectator: Frequently praised in global publications for its balance, aging potential, and site expression.
- CellarTrack & Wine-Searcher: Moss Wood wines consistently appear among the top-rated Australian wines for cellaring longevity and investment interest.
These accolades underline Moss Wood’s position as a standard-bearer for Margaret River and a reference point for Australian Cabernet on the world stage.
Did you know?
Moss Wood has never deviated from its philosophy of producing only from estate-grown fruit, a rarity in the modern Australian wine industry. Every wine is crafted with the same level of care, whether it is a flagship release or a youthful blend.
