Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2018

One of the great 'founding fathers' of Margaret River and a long-time producer of one of Australia's greatest cabernet-based wines. Originally planted in 1969 by Picardy's Bill Pannell however the Mugford family has owned / controlled the property since 1979.

"Widely regarded as one of the best wineries in the region, producing glorious chardonnay, power-laden semillon and elegant cabernet sauvignon that lives for decades. Moss Wood also owns RibbonVale Estate, the wines treated as vineyard-designated within the Moss Wood umbrella." 5 Star Winery - James Halliday

"A vintage that produced some spellbinding wines and this is right up there with some of the best. This is high-class merlot displaying power and poise. The structure and combination of oak fruit and tannin is excellent. Leafy fruit with a trace of black fruits and dark plum. The palate has a grainy texture accentuated by the chalky tannins. Moss Wood has put a lot of time in managing this vineyard which they bought some years ago, with a particular emphasis on tannins. This is a merlot that makes quite a statement."  Rating: 96 points.  Ray Jordan

"There’s 5% Cabernet Franc in the mix, and a modest 15% new oak. New labels too, which are what you might call Margaret meets Bordeaux in style. I like them, as an aside. Well, this is a good expression of Merlot, to be sure. Red and black fruits, coffee bean, a sort of honey/floral perfume, and a bit of tar. It’s medium-bodied, has some savoury tobacco and black olive character in with red berries and plum, tannins is fine and powdery, dense and perfectly ripe, some cedar and subtle mint and seaweed flavour comes through on a long finish. Lovely balance. All just so. Svelte. Polished. Really good."  Rating: 94 Points.  Gary Walsh.  The Wine Front.