2018 Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon

Established in 1977 by Moss Wood’s neighbour John James, the Ribbon Vale vineyard has been under the control of Moss Wood for over twenty years now. Winemaker and owner Keith Mugford, like many other Margaret River estates, is ecstatic with the quality of the outstanding 2018 vintage, stating that this is ‘probably the best Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon we have made’.
A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc the wine was matured in French oak, 16% new, for a period of 27 months.

Rich, sleek, refined and exceptionally deep, this superb Cabernet is a reflection of the perfect 2018 vintage.

Dense inky black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Steaming through the nostrils are enticing aromatics of blackcurrant infused with violets followed by hints of red liquorice, ripe mulberry, delicate cedary tobacco notes and bay leaf. Rich and showcasing exceptional depth yet also refined, the beautifully textured, mid weighted palate is layered with ripe red to black currant fruits that have a supple feel. Mulberry, red liquorice, subtle vanillin cedar, earthy tobacco, light black olive and bay leaf characters all chime in on the long, extended finish. Velvet smooth tannins with a sleek aftertaste of fabulous persistence.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
With 2% each of merlot and cabernet franc. 27 months in French oak (16% new). We live in hallowed times: the '18 cabernets from Margaret River are being released into the wild ... there's never been a better time to be alive. Concentrated, fine, pedigree cabernet with explosive, low-down torque that drags the flavours over the palate into the interminably long finish. Epic. Will live as long as you do. Drink by 2050.
97 points
Erin Larkin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 

Such a beautifully balanced cabernet. The key to this vineyard has always been tannin management. This is spot-on. Sure, there are tannins, but you want that with cabernet, right? There’s a minerally, slightly ironstone character threading through it with leafy blackcurrant and, slightly, back olive nuances. Dry savoury finish with a touch of bay leaf. Outstanding wine from an outstanding vintage. In fact, might well be the best cabernet yet from this vineyard.
96 points
Ray Jordan - The Weekend West Australian