Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2022

I suspect this wine holds a Moss Wood record for the shortest vintage weather report they have ever issued – “Mother Nature was in a very benign frame of mind”. Of course, they didn’t leave it at that, but it is a great start. In addition to the Merlot, 7% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% of Cabernet Franc were also included. The wine spent 26 months maturing in 228-litre French barrels, 21% of them new. A deep red/garnet hue, this is still very youthful and if opened in the next couple of years, would very much benefit from a decant, or time in the glass. The nose gives us notes of dried herbs and fruitcake, with plums, black fruits, chocolate, bay leaves and spices. There is plenty of power here, a good forceful style with firm tannins and a lengthy finish. Enjoy for at least the next five to eight years, most likely considerably longer.