Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 2021
- 93
- $93
- Drink by: 2023-2031
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Aussie Merlot has rarely hit the heights that many once hoped, but there have certainly been some very fine examples and Moss Wood has always been among them. A deep garnet hue, the nose gives appealing plum pudding and rich fruitcake notes with a hint of chocolate and dried fruit characters topped by spices and a touch of rose water. This is balanced, seamless and with fresh acidity supported by fine tannins and good grip with impressive length and a lingering finish. There is room for improvement, but enjoy it any time over the next six to eight years.
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.
