Description
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR AND CONDITION:
A typically dark Cabernet Sauvignon brick red hue; bright condition.
NOSE:
The impact of the long, mild season is evident on the nose. The classic Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon notes of red currant and tar are brightened by scented mulberry and violet notes. That said, this wine also displays the complex earth and leather notes we see in the cooler years. There is also just a light touch of spicy oak to round things out.
PALATE:
It is here, in particular, where we see the progress we have been making with this vineyard although we can’t claim it all. The high-quality vintage must take at least some of the credit. The classic Ribbon Vale structure is still evident and it has a solid tannin structure. However, the blue and red fruits give a generous mouthfeel, dare we say even an almost Moss Wood-like balance and smoothness. There is good length and the flavours run all the way to the end where the oak rounds things out nicely.
CELLARING:
As with all of our Cabernet Sauvignon wines, when we have a good year, we now confidently predict very long term aging and this wine is no exception. It will take between 5 and 10 years to see the first impact of the aged characters but for those who prefer their wines fully mature, we recommend it be cellared for at least 25 years.
REVIEWS
MOSS WOOD RIBBON VALE 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON – JOE CZERWINSKI, THE WINE ADVOCATE ROBERT PARKER
Points: 90
The 2017 Ribbon Vale Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon includes 4% each Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The result is a silky, medium-bodied red with floral, violet-like aromas, raspberry and pomegranate notes and a soft, easy-drinking finish. Maturity:Early
Issue Date:9th Jan 2020
MOSS WOOD RIBBON VALE 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON – BOB CAMPBELL, THE REAL REVIEW
Points: 96
Strongly varietal aroma with blackcurrant, cedar and a subtle floral note. A core of sweet fruit with a subtle liquorice, spice and anise influence wraps around a backbone of fine, soft tannins. An elegant wine that is approachable now but promises to develop well with bottle age.
Published Oct 12th 2019
MOSS WOOD RIBBON VALE 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON – FERGAL GLEESON, GREAT WINE BLOG
Elite Cabernet already showing complexity with blackcurrant, tar, tannins , leather all adding to a satisfying finish. The Ribbon Vale vineyard produces one of the three Moss Wood Cabernets. Ribbon Vale tends to produce a slightly sterner expression than Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon and is generally more suited to cellaring for a few years. Though the 2017 also offers pleasure in the here and now. Moss Wood have just marked 50 years since establishment without making a big fuss. The highly capable Keith and Clare Mugford let the wine do the talking. Strong words softly spoken…