Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

Description

The wine has a deep brick red colour and its condition is brilliant. On the nose it is very complex. The primary fruit aromas are the typically Moss Wood redcurrants and mulberries but with additional pretty aromas like cherry and red jubes. These lively aromas seem to be the product of the mild growing season. There are also notes of coffee beans and chocolate and an earthy or olive-like note. The oak is soft and well balanced, giving a toasty background.

On the palate, there are ripe redcurrant fruit flavours which are sweet and mouth filling, as well as some complex cassis and dark plum characters. The texture is soft and silky but the structure is tight, with both acid and tannin providing balance and length. On the finish, the oak flavours add length and the tannins are firm but not aggressive.

This is one of the best vintages of Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon and ranks alongside the great years from the property (1996, 1995, 1980, 1975). In terms of style, it shares many of the characteristics of the 1979, although the seasons were a little different - 1979 finished in the rain but 1999 did not. On the strength of this, we are happy to recommend this wine for long-term cellaring and would suggest a minimum of ten years. Having just recently tried a bottle of the 1979, we are happy to report that it survived to 23 years old without any problems so we expect the 1999 to show the same endurance!