Moss Brothers Fidium Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
- 94
- $55
- Drink by: 2022-2032
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This very fine Margaret River Cabernet included a percentage of whole berries. A cool fermentation with cultured yeasts and twice daily pumpovers. Over time, the fermentation temperature was allowed to rise to 28°C. A portion then spends extra time on skins, the reasoning being that this will soften the tannins. Then to barrel for 18 months maturation. One third of the barrels were new French oak with the remainder, a mix of one, two and three years old.
Opaque maroon in colour, the aromas weave through blackberries, mocha, tobacco leaves, spices and dry herbs, plums, coffee beans and a hint of chocolate. A supple and seductive texture leads to the most delicate tannins. A fine line of acidity runs the length with good fruit intensity at all times with more rich chocolate notes emerging on the palate. This has ten years in it, more resting in a top cellar.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
