2020 Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin and History of Moss Wood and Ribbon Vale

Moss Wood, established in 1969 in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, is one of the pioneers of Australian quality winemaking. Since 1984, the estate has been managed by Keith and Clare Mugford. In 2000, they took over the nearby Ribbon Vale Vineyard, which has since produced wines under its own name. The vineyard is characterised by a cool location and produces more powerful wines with slightly more pronounced tannins than the original Moss Wood Estate.

Climate and location in Margaret River

Margaret River is a cool, maritime wine region with a climate similar to Bordeaux. The 2020 harvest was preceded by a growing season with moderate temperatures and timely rainfall. An unexpected hail storm in October 2019 reduced yields by 18-25%, resulting in more concentrated grapes. The later harvest date of Cabernet Sauvignon (5 April 2020) resulted in elegant aromas and full phenolic ripeness.

Grape varieties, blend and harvest data

The wine is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. Each grape variety was harvested separately by hand: Merlot on March 9, Malbec on March 31, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon on April 5. The long maturation period (137 days on average for Cabernet Sauvignon) contributed to complex aromas and elegant tannins.

Vinification and wood aging of Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon

After destemming, the must was fermented in open and closed vats with several selected yeasts. Fermentation lasted 13 to 18 days, depending on the grape variety. After fermentation, malolactic transformation followed in stainless steel tanks. The wine then matured for 26 months in 228-litre French oak barriques, 16% of which were new. After careful tasting, it was decided to bottle the wine unfined on 4 August 2022.

Color, aroma and flavor profile of the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine shows a deep brick red color. The bouquet opens with aromas of red currant, blueberry, violets, rum-raisin-chocolate, white pepper and toasted oak. Classic Cabernet elements such as cedar and a hint of tar are clearly present. In the mouth it shows sweet red fruits (red currant, mulberry) with a silky mouthfeel, supported by fresh acidity and ripe tannins. The finish is long, with a combination of toast and Cabernet-typical spiciness.

Would you like to order Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon wines online?

The Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is available in our professionally conditioned Wine Warehouse. When you choose to pick up, you often receive a nice discount. You will see this discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

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Wine and food pairings with Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon

• Grilled ribeye with rosemary and garlic – The structure of the meat matches the tannins and dark fruit of the wine.
• Venison stew with cloves and bay leaf – The spiciness of the dish enhances the spicy notes in the wine.
• Grilled Eggplant with Miso and Black Garlic – The earthy depth matches the cedar and tar tones of the Cabernet.
• Pasta with wild boar ragù and Parmesan – A hearty combination in which the acidity and structure of the wine are preserved.
• Slow-cooked beef shank with plums – The sweet-sour balance of the dish complements the ripe berry flavours perfectly.
• Roast beef with blackcurrant jus and roasted parsnips – Elegant meat structure and fruity sauce find balance in the fruit and acidity of the wine.