2019 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. Both the Moss Wood vineyard and Ribbon Vale vineyard receive almost identical viticulture, winemaking and elevage treatment, making the main point of difference the terroir. The Ribbon Vale vineyard is planted with the Cabernet clone 126 on South and Western facing slopes whereas the Moss Wood vineyard is more Northerly and planted to the Houghton Clone. These subtle differences tend produce a Ribbon Vale Cabernet that is a touch more perfumed and expressive in style making it more approachable in its youth.

Possessing many of the attributes of the Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon but selling for less than half the price this beautifully crafted Cabernet is all class and polish.

A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec the wine was matured in French oak barriques for a period of 28 months. For the Cabernet Sauvignon component 26% was new oak and for the Merlot 14% was new oak.
Totally opaque black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. An alluring mix of red to black currant, mulberry and red liquorice fruits intoxicate the senses with a whiff of violets, dusty vanillin cedar, tobacco, black olive and spicy dried herb notes also chiming in. All class and polish the mid weighted palate is layered with red to black currant and mulberry fruits that show great finesse and poise. Earthy tobacco, spicy vanillin, black olive and subtle bay leaf infusions lie underneath. Beautifully integrated super fine tannins concluding long and refined. A magnificent follow up to the superb 2018.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14%
Other Reviews….
The 2018 Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon almost had me falling off my chair it was so good. This is no different. Like the '18, it is silky, sumptuous and very fine: red fruited, floral, spicy and shaped by fine, chalky tannins. It is a superstar, and at $72, a bargain for the quality you receive. If you're a fan of Moss Wood cabernet, this is the wine you should drink while you wait for the MW to come of age. Drink by 2037.
96 points
Erin Larkin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion