Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is regarded as one of Margaret River’s most collectible wines with a track record of 50 vintages and a reputation for long-term aging. As a former wine auctioneer, I was witness to its prominent rise in the secondary wine market and signed off its grade as Exceptional in Langton’s Classification. During my entire time at Langton’s, and Rushton’s before that, Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon has been (and still is) one of the most highly regarded labels in the secondary wine market.
As a live wine auctioneer, I was witness to the depth of interest and volume of demand for decades. Its success along with other ‘neighbouring’ wineries (like Cullen, Howard Park, Leeuwin Estate etc) allowed us to create The Great Wine Estates of Western Australia auction series. However my successors have since downgraded Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine into a two-tier system and in doing so have relegated Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon to its lower tier – a pelaton of 79 Langton’s Classified wines. Although Langton’s might defend its position by citing a spreadsheet of auction price realisations, I think the omission of Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon in Langton’s Classification Edition 8 represents a monumental and diminishing flaw.
Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon has been (and still is) one of the most highly regarded labels in the secondary wine market.
The 2023 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon highlights the exceptional quality of vineyard site, 51 vintages of winemaking excellence and a body of work that began with Bill and Sandra Pannell and was continued with exceptional custodianship by Keith and Clare Mugford. This classical Margaret River cabernet sauvignon genuinely belongs to an Australian First Growth tradition that is thankfully recognised by many wine collectors around the country and beyond.
2023 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River – Western Australia
Deep crimson. Intense blackcurrant, espresso, roasted chestnut aromas with hints of black olive/ spice. Inky deep and generously concentrated with ample cassis, black cherry, mocha flavours, superb roasted chestnut/ marzipan notes, and classical fine-grained tannins. Builds up claret/ cedar firm with a lovely pure black currant plume. The oak is still dominant but offset perfectly against the fruit. Give it a few years and this wine will show its exceptional class. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Matured in French oak barriques (15% new). Drink 2029 – 2048+ 14% alc 98+ points
Give it a few years and this wine will show its exceptional class.
