Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
- 95
- $72
- Drink by: 2021-2032
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The Ribbon Vale wines always raise the dreaded debate about ‘2nd labels’. I know that they are not 2nd wines at all, but I am also aware that a lot of winelovers see them as that. The best argument is what is in the bottle and I have no doubt that many wineries would be over the moon if they could offer their ‘first label’ at this level of quality. Production was very similar to that used for the Merlot, though the Cabernet spent 16 days on skins and 26% of the barrels were new. The final blend is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and then 3% each of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Colours are crimson, purple and magenta. A gorgeous nose with plums, cassis, mulberries, blackcurrants and cloves with hints of cedar. There is a fine boned structure here with generous flesh and a purity of flavour that is seriously impressive. Excellent focus, silky tannins, brilliant length, with at least a good decade ahead of it. This is a superb RV Cabernet, one of their best.
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.
