The Wine Animal Verdict: This Cabernet Sauvignon is a creature of elegant restraint and underlying power, reflecting the distinguished terroir of Margaret River in a cooler vintage. It's not a boisterous roar, but a measured and confident stride across the palate, offering a harmonious blend of red and dark fruit, subtle savory notes, and a beautifully refined structure. This wine speaks of a classic Margaret River vintage and meticulous craftsmanship, promising both immediate appeal and significant aging potential.
What's in the Cage: The 2017 vintage in Margaret River was one of the milder seasons, resulting in a Cabernet Sauvignon that is perhaps more restrained and tightly framed than some of the more opulent vintages. Moss Wood, a benchmark producer in the region, crafted this wine with their usual attention to detail. It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, matured in French oak, a portion of which was new. The focus is on capturing the elegance, perfume, and soft approachability characteristic of Moss Wood, while still possessing the underlying structure for long-term cellaring.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is complex and inviting:
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Red and Dark Fruit Harmony: Expect aromas of red cherries, redcurrants, and blue fruit alongside classic cassis and mulberry notes.
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Subtle Savory Intrigue: Hints of cedary, vanillin oak, light tobacco, and bay leaf add layers of sophistication.
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Floral Accents: A touch of violet can contribute to the aromatic lift.
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Mineral Undercurrent: A subtle stony or earthy nuance provides a sense of place.
The palate is where this creature shows its refined power:
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Medium to Full-Bodied: Possessing a lovely balance of richness and elegance.
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Glossy, Velvet-Like Tannins: Fine-grained tannins provide structure and a smooth mouthfeel.
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Focused Flavors: Pure and persistent flavors of cassis, liquorice, and mulberry are beautifully integrated with the subtle oak and savory notes.
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Excellent Depth: The wine displays impressive depth and complexity.
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Lingering Finish: The finish is medium to long, echoing the fruit and subtle oak nuances.
Who's it For: This Cabernet Sauvignon is for the discerning wine lover who appreciates elegance, balance, and wines with the potential to age gracefully. It appeals to those who enjoy the classic Cabernet Sauvignon profile of Margaret River with a touch of restraint and complexity.
Pairing Power: This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled or roasted lamb.
- Beef dishes, especially those with savory herbs.
- Game meats.
- Hard cheeses.
The Bottom Line: The Moss Wood 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a compelling and beautifully balanced expression of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon from a cooler vintage. It showcases the winery's signature elegance and perfume, with a core of pure fruit, subtle savory complexity, and refined tannins. While approachable in its youth, it possesses the structure and balance to reward patient cellaring, promising further development and complexity over the next decade or more.
