Moss Wood Pinot Noir 2023
G 94
If ever the team at Moss Wood were going to craft a Pinot Noir to convince the doubters of what can be achieved with this variety in Margaret River, then surely the brilliant 2023 vintage would be the one to do it. This is their 45th consecutive release of their Pinot. Good luck finding many wineries from the more highly regarded regions in the country which can match that. The vines were originally planted in 1973, and they have actually made 46 vintages, but an early one was ravaged by birds. Maturation was for a year and a half in French oak barriques, 18% of which were new. Fermentation saw the use of 20% whole bunches. Crimson/cherry red in colour, this is a silky style. The great vintage comes through and the quality is evident from the beginning. The nose gives us notes of red cherries, tobacco leaves, dried herbs, leaf litter and even a touch of blueberries. There is balance, focus and very good length through to satiny tannins. It will drink well for the next eight to ten years. Drink 2028–2035 Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Cabernet 2018 G 94 For me, this is the pick of the collection of latest releases from this Margaret River winery. Hailing from the brilliant 2018 vintage no doubt helps. It is always exciting to see wines which have already enjoyed considerable time in the cellar before release. Maturation is for a year and a half in French oak barriques, with slightly more than half of them new. Near black/maroon in colour, this is poised, taut, intense and impressively balanced. The nose gives notes of chocolate, blackberries, cloves, graphite, mocha and cold tea. The oak integration is immaculate and there is good complexity already evident. The palate sees the emergence of black cherry notes. A midweight style with silky tannins, it offers attractive length and maintains its intensity throughout. Enjoy this really exciting Cabernet over the next ten to fifteen years. Giving the wine a few hours in a decanter will only add to its allure. Drink now–2035 Rosily Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 G 94 As always with these guys, this wine is ridiculously good value. Coming from a wonderful vintage in Margaret River, the wine spent sixteen months maturing in French oak, 35% of which was new. I really can’t think of a single reason why any lover of cracking Cabernet doesn’t have several cases of this in their cellar. Deep maroon hue, this is intense and even slightly austere at this early stage, with good concentration. There is power here, but also balance and length. The nose gives us notes of black fruits, cassis, smoked meats, dry herbs, graphite and bacon fat. There is good oak integration. A supple texture with serious length, this should drink beautifully for the next 15 years. Drink now–2040
38
The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
Powered by FlippingBook