TN: Moss Wood Cab 2001

Chow Chow · Post by **Chow Chow** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 3:08 pm

After hearing all the superlatives on this wine, I finally get the chance to try it.
Deep ruby purple, has a very appealing ripe redcurrant/cassis fruit character on the nose. Flavour of ripe dark cherries, currants and minerals. Firm tannins, seems a little hollow in its middle with high aciditty. Long lasting flavours. A more elegant wine than the 1999 vintage.

Conclusion: The best Moss Wood in 20 yrs? Now this a big call. The '99 was broad, showed better depth, structure and less acid. Their '95 is simply untouchable, my absolute benchmark for all Cabernets to measured upon. I will put this more or less in the mould of their 96. IMO the Cullen 2001 is a much better wine by a big margin.

Using the TORB scale I rated it Agreedable with * for value.

Gerry · Post by **Gerry** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 3:20 pm

The 1999 moss wood had a very small amount of brett, which many seemed to love. My husband couldn't see it, but do not doubt me , it is there. It gave the young wine a little something special. The 2001 is clean, and so has to rest on its elegance. It is to some extent simple. It is very concentrated, but not quite as much as is the 2001 Cullen. So if concentration is your main pointer to quality, then the Cullen is better.

Personally I prefer the Moss Wood. But I do love both.

B,
Gerry.
x.

Chow Chow · Post by **Chow Chow** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 3:27 pm

Gerry,
Had the '99 3 times and don't remember it as bretty. All were pristine. When U paid $90 for a wine, expected it to have more weight, more stuffings and impact. What bother me is the streak of dominant acciditty. Hopefully it will integrated given time.

Adair · Post by **Adair** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 3:33 pm

Finally I read someone who doesn't think this wine is the "whatever"-est. I don't rate it low like you do. In fact, I have tasted it twice and have it as at least "Excellent" on the TORB scale. However, I don't believe it should be getting the massive accolades that it is, especially not at its price.

Either way, I suspect you don't appreciate its structure like others, and I, do.

Kind regards,
Adair

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 4:21 pm

I also rated it as Excellent and thought it was a very classy wine. Not as good as the 01 Cullen, but still a well structured wine with top fruit, a good mouthfeel and good solid structure.

Chow Chow · Post by **Chow Chow** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 4:22 pm

If it not MossWood and the price is <$50, the rating should be Recomended with *** for value. I always have very high regards for Moss Wood.

Ric, how do u compared this with their 1999?
IMO their 99 was better than Cullen's '99.

Adair · Post by **Adair** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 4:24 pm

Chow Chow wrote:If it not MossWood and the price is <$50, the rating should be Recomended with *** for value. I always have very high regards for Moss Wood.

Oh no. Don't change the "quality/enjoyment" rating from Agreeable to Recommended. You will open a can of worms. I don't think this rating should change due to price.

Adair

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 5:11 pm

Chow Chow wrote:Ric, how do u compared this with their 1999?
IMO their 99 was better than Cullen's '99.

Martin,

I can't remember the 99 MW, I am pretty sure I did try it but can't find the a TN.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:25 pm

I should correct myself. When I said that the 99 Moss wood has a trifle bit of brett, it is just that, a trifle. It is not very noticeable, and not at all of a concern, it is just enough to give your tongue something else to hang on to. Ring up Keith Mugford and see if he agrees.

I think we are looking for different things, no matter the cost. I would pay a couple of hundred bucks for a light, delicate, intrinsically beautiful burgundy, and I wouldn't care if it wasn't particularly concentrated at all. The only area I want to see overt impact is on the finish.

Gerry.

Mike Hawkins · Post by **Mike Hawkins** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 7:50 am

IMO, the 99 MW just, and I mean just, overshadows the 99 Cullen. Both are at least Outstanding in my books, and I am not a huge cabernet (or blend) fan. These two wines will be sublime in about 2011.

Regards

Mike