The 2022 Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot is a refined and structured Margaret River Merlot, showcasing the elegance, purity, and ageing potential that have made Moss Wood one of Australia’s benchmark producers of Bordeaux varieties. Sourced from the Ribbon Vale vineyard in Wilyabrup, this wine reflects the estate’s meticulous vineyard management and classical winemaking philosophy.
The 2022 vintage in Margaret River delivered excellent growing conditions, allowing for slow ripening and exceptional flavour development while preserving freshness and natural acidity. The Ribbon Vale vineyard’s gravelly soils and maritime climate contribute to the wine’s fine tannin structure, aromatic complexity, and balance.
In the winery, fruit was hand-harvested and fermented in small batches with careful extraction to preserve varietal purity and structure. Maturation took place in French oak barrels, including a proportion of new oak, building complexity and integration while allowing the vineyard expression to remain the focus.
The wine reveals expressive aromas of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, mocha, and subtle spice. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with supple dark fruit, finely textured tannins, and vibrant acidity creating a poised and harmonious structure. The finish is long, savoury, and elegantly composed.
Approachable with decanting in its youth, the 2022 Ribbon Vale Merlot also possesses excellent cellaring potential and will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15+ years, developing additional savoury and tertiary complexity.
A polished and age-worthy Margaret River Merlot for collectors and lovers of elegant Bordeaux-inspired Australian reds.
