The Auswine Forum

Thought I'd throw this one to the brains trust...
Just seeking peoples thoughts on their experiences with Margaret River cabernet from say the last 25 vintages and what your thoughts are on the best vintages. Are any falling over, are any/many at peak? Which ones to leave in the cellar for longer, etc.
i know it's pretty open ended..

Based on the ones I’ve had, 99, 01 and 04 are in good shape.

Avoid 2006.

07, 08, 11 and 14 all entering their drinking windows and drinking well after a decent decant

What about '18 & 19? I have few bottles of these vintages of Moss Wood

What about '18 & 19? I have few bottles of these vintages of Moss Wood

FredericoWines wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm What about '18 & 19? I have few bottles of these vintages of Moss Wood

I'd be waiting a few more years before I opened either of them

In general, Margaret River has been remarkably consistent over the past 25 years. The 14s are drinking very well now but a are pretty well structured and I'd be inclined to drink the 15s before the 14s. 2011 was a super vintage, especially in comparison to most of the rest of Australia's red output for that year, and 07 was similar in that respect too. I've had some really lovely 2012 and 2013 cabernets but I think those vintages have been a bit overshadowed by 2011 and 2014.

paulf wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 2:24 pm In general, Margaret River has been remarkably consistent over the past 25 years. The 14s are drinking very well now but a are pretty well structured and I'd be inclined to drink the 15s before the 14s. 2011 was a super vintage, especially in comparison to most of the rest of Australia's red output for that year, and 07 was similar in that respect too. I've had some really lovely 2012 and 2013 cabernets but I think those vintages have been a bit overshadowed by 2011 and 2014.

Paulf agree with you very good summation!

From what I hear, MR is in a different country and over 50 years there may have been a couple of dud vintages.
There is never any universal commentary, for example that 1989/92/95 or 2011/17/20 are all very poor vintages as there is, here in SA/Vic/NSW.

Does Margret River ever get frosts? It appears if forecasts are anything to go by, that there is more coming in the next few days.
Cheers Craig

FredericoWines wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm What about '18 & 19? I have few bottles of these vintages of Moss Wood

Vinfanticide!

I haven’t had the pleasure of drinking anything from the 90’s of note, but have thoroughly enjoyed a 2001, 2004 and 2005 over the past few years. 2008, 2009 and 2011 stood out to me too. I had a couple of 2006 LEAS Cabernet and agree that it isn’t a strong vintage compared to others I’ve had. Have got a 2010, 2012 and 2013 that I haven’t tried yet from a Cabernet perspective. Had a 2012 Chardonnay that was excellent.

The 18’s and 19’s hold lots of promise but won’t drink them for a while.

phillisc wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 4:17 pm From what I hear, MR is in a different country and over 50 years there may have been a couple of dud vintages.
There is never any universal commentary, for example that 1989/92/95 or 2011/17/20 are all very poor vintages as there is, here in SA/Vic/NSW.

Does Margret River ever get frosts? It appears if forecasts are anything to go by, that there is more coming in the next few days.
Cheers Craig

I like some of the 17s from the Hunter

Not particularly au fait with 2017 Hunter's Mike...will take your word for it
Cheers Craig

phillisc wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 4:17 pm From what I hear, MR is in a different country and over 50 years there may have been a couple of dud vintages.
There is never any universal commentary, for example that 1989/92/95 or 2011/17/20 are all very poor vintages as there is, here in SA/Vic/NSW.

Does Margret River ever get frosts? It appears if forecasts are anything to go by, that there is more coming in the next few days.
Cheers Craig

Agree. MR is on another planet. It is quicker to name the poor vintages like 06 (wet). No others since around 2000 come to mind. Remarkable consistency that SA/VIC etc would envy. Maritime breezes helps avoid frosts in winter and excessive heat in summer. Real goldilocks stuff.

paulf wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 2:04 pm

FredericoWines wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm What about '18 & 19? I have few bottles of these vintages of Moss Wood

I'd be waiting a few more years before I opened either of them

2019 was a cooler vintage and may well be earlier drinking.

2018 was a stellar vintage and should reward longer term cellaring (and take longer to come around).

2014s are generally well regarded, and the next prior stellar vintage to 2018 was 2011. A cracker!

What do people think of 2020 and 2021? I believe 2022 and 2023 are getting some love but not really enough out there for convincing opinions.
As others say the region is an embarrassment of riches. It’s hard to find anything from most producers that isn’t top notch.

Hacker wrote: ↑Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:49 pm What do people think of 2020 and 2021? I believe 2022 and 2023 are getting some love but not really enough out there for convincing opinions.
As others say the region is an embarrassment of riches. It’s hard to find anything from most producers that isn’t top notch.

2021 better than 2020 but not up to the quality of 2018.

Waiters Friend wrote: ↑Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:36 pm

paulf wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 2:04 pm

FredericoWines wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm What about '18 & 19? I have few bottles of these vintages of Moss Wood

I'd be waiting a few more years before I opened either of them

2019 was a cooler vintage and may well be earlier drinking.

2018 was a stellar vintage and should reward longer term cellaring (and take longer to come around).

2014s are generally well regarded, and the next prior stellar vintage to 2018 was 2011. A cracker!

Agree with this, I will be drinking my 2019s (which are actually drinking well now) before I touch the 2018s