The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate spent 24 months in 50% new French oak. There is a small quantity of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot included in the blend. Deep crimson-colored, it gives up an alluring perfume of pain grille, spice box, tar, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a harmonious, well-integrated wine reminiscent of a classified growth Saint-Julien from a good vintage. This elegantly rendered wine will develop in bottle for 8-10 years and provide pleasure through 2030. Moss Wood Winery, located in the Margaret River GI in Western Australia, is owned by Keith and Clare Mugford. Fruit is sourced from their estate vineyards and purchased from selected individual vineyards but never intermingled. Total production ranges from 12,000 to 15,000 cases. Importer: Michael Opdahl, Joshua Tree Imports, Duarte, CA; www.mosswood.com.au; Also tasted: 2005 Chardonnay”Moss Wood Vineyard” (82), 2005 Merlot “Ribbon Vale Vineyard” (82), 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot “Ribbon Vale Vineyard” (83)

Operative words to describe this wine might include seamless and harmonious. There’s such wonderful integration of fruit and oak that it’s difficult to pick this wine’s flavor components apart—it’s a whirl of cassis and cedar, yet restrained; full-bodied, rich and dense without being heavy. Long and velvety on the finish, with enough soft tannins to last it 10–15 years.——J.C.(2/1/2008)—— 93