2024 Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Chardonnay, Margaret River

Ripening took place over a slightly shorter period than this region usually sees. Yields were down but quality was up. This is the fourth vintage of the Ribbon Vale Chardy and it has established itself as a fine addition to the range. The wine saw nine months maturation in French oak barriques, 47% of which was new. A deep gold colour here, this is big, bold and rich. A Chardy chockers with flavour. What is exciting is that we are already seeing the early emergence of complexity. The nose exhibits notes of white peaches, citrus, a hint of the tropicals, hazelnuts, ginger, lemongrass, spices and very good oak integration. There is a creamy texture with juicy acidity and superb length. This has at least six to eight years of providing pleasure ahead of it and it will certainly improve further over that period, although the team see it as ageing for a number of years more than that.

94 points Ken Gargett winepilot.com

The 2024 Ribbon Vale Chardonnay leads with pineapple lumps and freshly cut pineapple, crushed nuts and a creamy texture on the middle palate. The pink grapefruit acidity is prodigious and works to counterbalance the exotic fruit, which in the end, makes for a balanced and powerful wine. This is a lot of wine for the money—there is so much flavor, it is positively dripping with it. This is a magnificent effort from a hot, dry vintage. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

93 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

The warmer vintage is certainly reflected immediately in the bright golden colour. This is a rich and textured chardonnay from the Ribbon Vale vineyard. Honeycomb and light cereal characters emerge on the nose and palate. There’s an underlying savouriness that sustains through to the very long finish. Beautifully balanced with a crisp acidity controlling the finish. The higher altitude vineyard contributes to more of the lively citrus, white peach, and grapefruit nuances.

94 points Ray Jordan rayjordanwine.com.au

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Chardonnay is a refined, cool-climate white from Margaret River that combines the region’s hallmark richness with beautifully judged restraint. Sourced from the Ribbon Vale vineyard in the cooler southern end of Wilyabrup, this is a Chardonnay that shows purity, elegance and precision rather than overt power. It’s Moss Wood’s take on modern Margaret River Chardonnay — textural, mineral and quietly complex.

The fruit is hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, with fermentation in French oak barrels (around 40 to 50 percent new). Winemaker Keith Mugford employs wild yeast, full malolactic fermentation, and extended lees contact with stirring to build mid-palate weight and creamy complexity, while still retaining bright acidity and a clean line of citrus.

In the glass, it shows aromas of white peach, lemon curd, toasted hazelnut, struck flint and subtle spice. The palate is focused and layered, with fine acidity, stone fruit depth, a touch of grilled citrus, and savoury oak integration. There’s a lovely balance between creamy lees texture and crisp mineral drive, finishing long and saline.

Food pairing: Excellent with grilled lobster, roast chicken with lemon and tarragon, scallops with cauliflower purée, or a leek and Gruyère tart. Aged Comté or soft-rind cheeses also match beautifully.

Cellar potential: Drinking beautifully now with a short decant, but will evolve gracefully over 6 to 8 years, gaining nutty, savoury depth and honeyed complexity.