2023 Moss Wood Pinot Noir, Margaret River

Moss Wood Pinot Noir is one of Margaret River’s most distinctive and elegant reds, crafted by one of Australia’s most respected family-owned estates. Founded by Bill and Sandra Pannell in 1969 and now led by Keith and Clare Mugford, Moss Wood has earned a stellar reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and longevity. While the region is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Moss Wood has quietly carved out a niche for Pinot Noir, making a style that’s distinctly Margaret River yet refined and ageworthy.

The Pinot Noir vines are planted on the estate’s original Moss Wood vineyard, situated on well-drained gravelly loam soils over clay, typical of the Wilyabrup subregion. The maritime climate, moderated by the Indian Ocean, provides warm days and cool nights that allow for slow, even ripening, preserving freshness and building aromatic complexity. The fruit is hand harvested, destemmed, and fermented in small open tanks with traditional plunging to extract fine tannins. Maturation takes place in French oak barriques, a portion of which are new, for around 18 months to add texture and subtle spice without overwhelming the fruit.

In the glass, Moss Wood Pinot Noir is a bright ruby red. Aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petals, and spice mingle with hints of forest floor and fine cedar. The palate is medium bodied, silky, and beautifully balanced, showing layers of juicy red fruit, savoury herbs, and gentle oak spice supported by fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. It’s a wine that combines the fragrance and delicacy of Pinot with the structure and polish that Moss Wood is renowned for.

This Pinot pairs superbly with dishes like duck breast with cherry glaze, mushroom and thyme risotto, roasted pork belly, or grilled salmon. It’s also excellent with charcuterie and soft cheeses. While approachable young, it has the structure to evolve gracefully for 8 to 12 years, gaining savoury complexity and silky texture with age.