Amy’s Cabernet Blend 2023

Awards 🏆

Ray Jordan Wine Review 95 Points

This is a blend if cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, malbec and merlot. In a good year like this one, it offers some of the best value classy red wine going around. This is as good as any in this line. Plush red fruit of tremendous intensity. A firm core of tannin and oak holds it firm as the succulent fruit washes through. Such energy and vibrancy.

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Deep brick red, vibrant and bright in the glass.
• Nose: An alluring mix of cherry chocolate, ripe blueberry, blackberry, and hints of marshmallow. Subtle undertones of tar, cedar, and toasted oak provide depth.
• Palate: Juicy blueberries and red currants dominate, supported by a firm yet refined tannin structure. A generous mid-palate weight offers richness, while gentle acidity and French oak integration create balance and finesse.
• Finish: Smooth and lingering, with a lively fruit-driven vibrancy.

Winemaking Process

• Blend Composition:
  • 83% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 6% Malbec
  • 6% Petit Verdot
  • 5% Merlot
• Aged in 228L French Oak Barriques for 18 months (none new).
• Fermentation: Hand-sorted, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel with gentle pump-overs for optimal flavour extraction.
• Maturation: Malolactic fermentation in barrel, followed by careful blending and extended aging for refined structure and balance.
• Bottling Date: July 1, 2024

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Grilled Meats – Perfect with chargrilled steak, lamb cutlets, or roast duck.
• Aged Cheese – Complements cheddar, gouda, or creamy brie.
• Vegetarian Dishes – Matches beautifully with mushroom risotto, roasted eggplant, or lentil-based dishes.

Serving Temperature

• 16-18°C for optimal flavour and balance. Put in the fridge for 30-45 minutes if being stored at room temp.
• Decant for 30-45 minutes before serving to allow the wine to open up fully.

FAQ: Wine Terms Explained 🤔

• Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red grape variety known for its deep colour, rich black fruit flavours, and firm tannins.
• Malolactic Fermentation: A secondary fermentation that softens acidity, giving wines a creamier, rounder mouthfeel.
• French Oak Barriques: 228L oak barrels that impart subtle spice, vanilla, and toastiness to the wine.
• Tannins: Natural compounds from grape skins and oak aging that contribute to structure, mouthfeel, and aging potential.
• Linear Acidity: A clean, focused acidity that enhances freshness and balance.

Technical Details ℹ️

• Region: Margaret River, WA
• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Median Harvest Date: April 20, 2023
• Bottling Date: July 1, 2024
• Median Harvest Ripeness: 13.2°Be
• Acidity: Well-balanced, with a vibrant and fresh profile

Cellaring Potential

• Designed for early enjoyment, best consumed within 5 years to preserve its vibrant fruit profile and soft tannins.

Learn About Moss Wood Wines

Planted in 1969, Moss Wood Wines is an important, founding estate of the Margaret River wine region, located in the northern sub–region of Wilyabrup, Western Australia.

Moss Wood Margaret River was founded as a specialist, high-quality winery, and this remains its primary purpose, serving as the driving force behind its ongoing presence in the industry. Clare and Keith Mugford, winemakers, viticulturalists, and proprietors, have been nurturing Moss Wood’s vineyard since 1984 and 1979, respectively. Their meticulous vineyard practices guarantee grapes of exceptional quality, resulting in a portfolio of fine wines known for their consistency across vintages and remarkable aging potential. The Moss Wood and Mugford labels are renowned for their unwavering commitment to excellence.

At Moss Wood, we firmly believe that the quality of wine begins in the vineyard. We continuously evaluate viticultural techniques, drawing insights from the latest research, both external and our own. This dedication has led to ongoing trials and enhancements in trellising systems, soil conservation methods, and pruning practices.

Read the latest Moss Wood Wine Reviews HERE