Moss Wood 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage News!
Vintage Notes
The 2019-20 growing season experienced comfortable weather conditions, with a total rainfall of 779mm, 24% below average but still sufficient for growing unirrigated vines. The dry weather during the crucial period of Cabernet varieties’ flowering in November was beneficial, as moderate temperatures and minimal wet days were recorded. However, despite the favorable conditions, Cabernet Sauvignon yields were down around 40%. This can be attributed to the hailstorm that occurred on October 24, 2019, resulting in significant damage to bunches and shoots. The first stage of hail damage involves physical battering of the plant, causing bruising and wounding on the soft green tissue. The second stage is the establishment of fungi in the resulting wounds, exacerbating the yield loss. Although the first stage cannot be prevented, fungicides can be applied to limit the resulting losses.
The emergence of COVID-19 coincided with the later stages of the harvest, and there was a brief period of concern that the picking team and winery crew would not be able to attend work. However, agriculture was deemed essential work, and the people were able to travel freely. The vines ripened the grapes in excellent weather conditions, with moderate temperatures and virtually no extreme heat. The oddity of the season was the yield of Petit Verdot, which is very sensitive to flowering conditions and usually aborts its berries at the slightest hint of inclement weather. Yet, in 2020, despite the hailstorm, it managed to produce a yield of 5.81 tonnes per hectare, the highest ever recorded at Moss Wood. Overall, despite the challenges faced during the growing season and harvest, the quality of the wine was not affected, and the team was pleased with the final product.
Cellaring Advice
When we arrive at our cellaring advice, we always come up with the same question. What are the comparable vintages from the past? The prior years with similar yields were 1981, 2009, 2015 and 2016 and of those, the first two were hail-affected. The 2020 definitely brings back memories of the tannins of the ’81 but also some of the pretty aromas of the ’15. The key for us, though, is the 2020 is very much in the style of former and with that as our cellaring guide, this new vintage has a long life ahead and we anticipate relatively gradual development. As always, it has Moss Wood’s typical early balance, with a youthful fruit depth that is enjoyable now. However, do not be fooled. Beneath the velvet glove is a clenched fist that will keep this wine going for many decades and it may well repeat the performance of its older sibling and take 2 decades to show significant development.
To register your interest in the upcoming release of Moss Wood 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, email [email protected] or phone Justin on (08) 9200 1850 (Option 1).
Moss Wood Autumn News Issue #117 – Keith & Clare Mugford, Moss Wood
