2011 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Overview

The 2011 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly acclaimed release from one of Margaret River’s founding estates. Rated 10/10 by the winery, this flagship blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon with small proportions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, delivering concentrated fruit, silky tannins and exceptional balance with long-term cellaring potential.

Vintage

Despite the difficult reputation of the 2011 vintage in parts of eastern Australia, conditions at Moss Wood in Margaret River were excellent. The estate considers the vintage extremely good and potentially great, with fully ripe fruit, excellent tannin balance and generous concentration.

Winemaking

All grapes were harvested by hand into small buckets, destemmed and transferred to small open fermenters. Fermentation took place with a selected yeast culture at temperatures maintained below 28°C, with each batch hand-plunged up to four times daily.

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot remained on skins for 12 days, while the Cabernet Franc received 10 days of skin contact. The parcels were matured in fine French oak barriques before blending and bottling.

Producer Tasting Notes

Deep brick red; bright condition. Very scented; red fruit aromas of red currant and pomegranate; dark fruit aromas of blueberry and mulberry; floral, ethereal notes of violets, spice, dried herbs and red currant jelly; a background of tar, liquorice, seaweed, earth and cedar.

Immediate impact of vibrant fruit flavours – red currant, black currant, rich, long and generous; full body; great length and breadth; very silky tannin gives the wine density and concentration but with excellent balance and leaves a smooth texture; soft, tarry oak notes on the finish.

Critic Reviews

96 Points – Bob Campbell
Tasted April 2014

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Tasted January 2016
Perhaps the best young wine I've tasted from Margaret River, this makes a compelling case for the region's Cabernet. Pure cassis fruit is lifted and framed by hints of toasted cedar … The finish lingers, with a supple, dreamy character that speaks to a gentle climate and careful winemaking.

95 Points – Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Tasted August 2014
Drinking Window: 2015–2025

Specifications

• Vintage: 2011
• Producer: Moss Wood
• Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Country: Australia
• Winemakers: Clare and Keith Mugford
• Harvest Dates: Cabernet Franc – 1 March 2011; Cabernet Sauvignon – 15 March 2011; Petit Verdot – 19 March 2011
• Yield: 8.04 tonnes per hectare
• Baumé: 13.4°
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Bottled: 19 November 2013
• Released: 1 May 2014
• Vintage Rating: 10/10
• Suggested Drinking Window: 2014–2041