The Wine Animal Verdict: This Cabernet Sauvignon is a creature of commanding presence and refined power, reflecting the exceptional 2018 vintage in Margaret River and the iconic status of Moss Wood. It's not a fleeting glimpse of strength, but a sustained and confident stride across the palate, offering a profound blend of concentrated dark fruit, subtle savory complexity, and impeccably integrated oak. This wine speaks of a near-perfect growing season and meticulous craftsmanship, solidifying its place among the region's elite.
What's in the Cage: The 2018 vintage in Margaret River is widely hailed as one of the best ever, providing ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Moss Wood, a long-established benchmark producer in the region, crafted this wine from their estate vineyard in Wilyabrup. It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, meticulously hand-picked and sorted. The wine was matured in French oak barriques for an extended period, with a judicious use of new oak to enhance structure and complexity without overshadowing the fruit's inherent quality.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is intensely aromatic and layered:
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Concentrated Dark Fruit Core: Expect powerful aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark plum, imbued with the intensity of the vintage.
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Complex Savory Undertones: Notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a hint of black olive provide a sophisticated savory counterpoint to the fruit.
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Fragrant Oak Spice: Well-integrated notes of vanilla, clove, and subtle toast add depth and complexity.
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Floral Hints: A touch of violet contributes to the aromatic lift and elegance.
The palate is where this creature truly asserts its dominance with grace:
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Full-Bodied and Powerful: Possessing significant weight and concentration, yet retaining a sense of elegance and poise.
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Refined Tannins: Firm yet beautifully polished tannins provide a solid framework for long-term aging.
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Layers of Flavor: The palate explodes with concentrated dark fruit, seamlessly interwoven with the complex savory and oak nuances.
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Exceptional Length and Depth: The wine displays remarkable depth and a finish that seems to linger for minutes, evolving with each passing moment.
Who's it For: This Cabernet Sauvignon is for the serious collector and the discerning wine lover who seeks the pinnacle of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon from an exceptional vintage. It demands attention and rewards patience, promising decades of rewarding development in the cellar.
Pairing Power: This iconic Cabernet Sauvignon, with its power, complexity, and structure, pairs exquisitely with:
- Prime cuts of beef, such as ribeye or fillet mignon.
- Slow-cooked lamb shanks or a hearty lamb roast.
- Game meats, like venison or duck.
- Rich, flavorful hard cheeses.
The Bottom Line: The Moss Wood 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a glorious and potentially legendary wine from a truly exceptional vintage in Margaret River. It embodies the estate's signature elegance and perfume, amplified by the vintage's intensity and concentration. With its profound depth of flavor, refined tannins, and remarkable length, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Moss Wood's greatest achievements and a benchmark for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon for decades to come.
