Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Region and Vineyards

Moss Wood’s Ribbon Vale vineyard is situated in Wilyabrup, a prized subregion within Margaret River, Western Australia. This coastal winegrowing zone is heavily influenced by maritime conditions, with cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean moderating summer temperatures and providing optimal diurnal range—crucial for retaining acidity and freshness in Bordeaux varieties.

The 2021 vintage followed a near-ideal 2020 growing season, albeit with higher humidity during the ripening phase. Spring brought mild temperatures and moderate rainfall—conditions conducive to healthy flowering and fruit set. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot yielded above-average crop loads, thanks to ideal spring weather that promoted large bunches. Ripening was prolonged due to cool summer conditions and sporadic rain, pushing harvest into March and April, allowing full flavor development while maintaining balance.

Winemaking

The Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Bordeaux blend, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. The wine was crafted using traditional vinification techniques under careful temperature control to preserve varietal integrity and encourage structure-building tannins.

Fermentation proceeded in small, open fermenters with hand plunging to extract fine tannins and color. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels (exact percentage of new oak is typically modest at Moss Wood to preserve freshness), allowing the various components to marry and integrate. Bottled in March 2022, the wine saw approximately 18 months of maturation, enhancing its aromatic complexity and mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep crimson with a vibrant purple hue.
• Aroma: Elegant and perfumed with cassis, blackberry, and redcurrant at the fore, underpinned by leafy tobacco, bay leaf, cedar, dark chocolate, and hints of graphite and clove.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays supple yet assertive tannins wrapped around layers of black fruit, dark plum, and earthy spice. Fresh acidity lends vitality, while well-integrated oak contributes polish and length.

Did you know?

The Ribbon Vale vineyard was acquired by Moss Wood in 2000. Originally established in 1977, it has been progressively revitalized under the guidance of Keith and Clare Mugford, Moss Wood’s proprietors, to reflect the estate’s broader philosophy: a pursuit of elegance, balance, and terroir-driven expression in every bottle.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast lamb with rosemary: A natural match, amplifying the herbaceous undertones and tannin structure.
• Beef Wellington: The savory pastry and tenderloin combination complements the wine’s finesse and richness.
• Aged cheddar or Comté: The creamy saltiness enhances the fruit and supports the wine's tannins.
• Mushroom risotto with truffle oil: Brings out the earthy, savoury dimensions of the blend.

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.