2021 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

Medium-deep and very bright red with a strong tinge of purple, but it's not a very deep colour for cabernet. The bouquet is fresh and red fruit driven with mulberry, violet aromas, mixed dried herbs and fragrant spices. The wine is medium-full bodied, not big but supremely elegant and fine-boned. Impeccable balance and impressive palate length. The tannins are supple, powdery and gentle. A very fine cabernet which is all about elegance and harmony. 04 Sep 2024 Drink 2024–2039

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com #1 of 68 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River

There’s as much a Moss Wood DNA thumbprint as a regional one here. This shows off violets, cedary/toasty oak (thankfully not too much), chocolate and a slight ironstone character. Fuller bodied yet the palate is smooth and contained with fine-grained, almost silky tannins, plus dabs of sweet mulberries and blackberries with refreshing acidity tying everything together. Rather lovely now but will garner more complexity in time.

96 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon leads with raspberry and red gravel, cassis, cocoa and tobacco, with layers of red apple and licorice, all of it shaped by warm-biscuit oak. The palate has gentle clarity: the length of flavor is very long, but the intensity of this vintage has been turned down. It was an interesting year in the vineyards, with constant rain or drizzle, coupled with moderate temperatures throughout the growing season. It caused some viticultural pressures, which in turn impacted picking decisions; in the end, it was a season defined by extreme vigilance and nimble decision-making. This iteration is an elegant, fine expression, which texturally feels good in the mouth. It's a quietly sapid wine. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

95 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com 

The Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is a celebrated icon of Australian wine, hailing from the heart of Margaret River in Western Australia. Known for its exceptional balance, complexity, and cellaring potential, this wine epitomizes the elegance and power of Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the world’s premier wine regions.

The bouquet is intensely aromatic, with layers of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark plum interwoven with subtle notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and crushed herbs. Hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, and finely integrated oak contribute depth and sophistication to the nose.

On the palate, the Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and richly textured, with a seamless integration of fruit, tannin, and acidity. Juicy flavors of cassis, black cherry, and mulberry are balanced by savory undertones of graphite, bay leaf, and a whisper of earthiness. The tannins are fine-grained and velvety, providing structure and a luxurious mouthfeel. The finish is remarkably long and complex, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of mocha.

Winemaker Keith Mugford’s meticulous approach ensures that every vintage of Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted to the highest standards. The estate’s sustainably managed vineyards, combined with careful hand-harvesting, fermentation, and aging in French oak, contribute to the wine’s consistent excellence and age-worthiness.

This wine is a perfect match for premium cuts of beef, such as ribeye steak or slow-roasted lamb shoulder. It also pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like beef bourguignon, venison stew, or aged cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. While approachable in its youth, the Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its ability to age gracefully for 20 years or more, gaining even greater complexity and depth over time.