Moss Wood 2026 Amy's Cuvée Blanc

 

This is one of the simpler wines in the impressive Moss Wood range, but with spring upon us it is a very good choice for enjoying al fresco. This new vintage release is a blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc, two grape varieties that thrive in Margaret River. There is plenty of tropical and citrus flavours on offer here, along with some light oak influence and plenty of crisp acid on the palate. This fresh, youthful wine can confidently be paired with seafood or poultry dishes. Delightful drinking $46. https://www.mosswood.com.au/   

Xanadu 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Regular readers will be aware we have a policy of not covering wine show awards. But when a sub-$50 wine from a consistently excellent producer is awarded the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show at the 2026 National Wine Show of Australia and also named Red Wine of Show then I was very keen to see it. Winemaker Glenn Goodall and his Margaret River winemaking team have hit this one out of the park. To my palate it is seriously under priced. It is a classic cabernet with all the elements in place. Cassis/dark choc flavours, well integrated oak and superb balance and length. Ready to enjoy right now with a winter casserole. 97 points from me. $45. www.xanaduwines.com

Cullen 2024 Diana Madeline

What style of wizardry is this? Tasted blind you could easily mistake this for one of the stellar left bank cabernet-driven red blends of Bordeaux - wines that fetch stratospheric prices. This isn't cheap, but it is bargain compared to other Australian flagships now pushing over $1000 a bottle. This benchmark comes from the earliest, driest, and hottest vintage on record in Margaret River, but the biodynamic, dry-grown vines sailed through the test. Still aromatic, still powerful, still balanced, still elegant. Dark with cassis flavours to the fore, along with nutty/vanilla characters, impressive tannin structure and stupendous length. The blend comprises 90% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 3% malbec, and 2% merlot. Pair with a lamb roast for maximum pleasure. Released this week. I think this is my favourite wine of the year so far. 98 points. $160. https://cullenwines.com.au/

https://cullenwines.com.au/

Vasse Felix 2025 Filius Sauvignon Blanc

A quarter of a century ago, sauvignon blanc was all the rage. It is less fashionable nowadays but that means it represents terrific value for those who like the style. This release from a pioneering Margaret River producer is a case in point - a very well-made dry white for under $30. This is less overt than its Kiwi cousins, food friendly and savoury without too much herbaceousness. A portion of skin fermented juice adds interest, as does some fermentation in quality French oak. A very pretty, brisk, aromatic drink with fresh pear flavours to the fore and with a bitey acid finish. Lovely everyday thirst quenching here. Pair with poultry dishes, or maybe some salt and pepper squid. $28. https://www.vassefelix.com.au/

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale 2023 Merlot

Many merlots in Australia are made in a soft and simple style; as easy quaffers. Not so his one from the cabernet masters at Moss Wood in Margaret River. It is full of verve and texturally complex, a nod to the great merlot-led wines of Bordeaux's right bank. More structured than fleshy, this one is firm and impressively complex with some bright acidity allied to serious tannins, aided and abetted by time in French barriques.  We paired this with roast lamb en croute and were well rewarded. $87. https://www.mosswood.com.au/

Hay Shed Hill 2023 Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

An outstanding example of Margaret River cabernet that has settled nicely with some time in bottle. Hay Shed Hill is a reliably good producer and Block 2 was planted over 50 years ago, producing fruit with intensity and elegance. This is a wine that will certainly find favour with lovers of Left Bank Bordeaux. Deeply coloured, this has classic dark fruit flavours with dusty hints. The oak is well integrated and the tannins finish with rewarding softness. You could cellar this, but it it is already enticing. We paired it with rare roast lamb - a most amiable combo. $63. https://hayshedhill.com.au/ 

Moss Wood 2025 Amy's Cuvée Blanc

 

Here's a classic regional blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc from one of the founding wine producers in Margaret River; albeit with a difference. The Moss Wood 2025 Amy’s Cuvée Blanc is a new addition to the range. It is semillon-driven and barrel fermented to add texture and complexity. That sets its apart from its regional rivals with its palate weight and interest. There are vivacious tropical and herbaceous notes on the palate, savoury elements, oaky hints and impressive balance. One for short-term enjoyment. Pair with blackened fish for a fun food and wine match. $41. https://www.mosswood.com.au/

Moss Wood 2024 Ribbon Vale Chardonnay

 

There are some very impressive chardonnay releases coming out of Margaret River right now - and this is up there with best of them. There is plenty happening on the palate of this single-vineyard release, but it also has a touch of the supermodel about it; shiny without a hair out of place. From a very fine vintage this has seen aging on lees  to add complexity, but it retains all the elements of a classic cooler-climate chardonnay: citrus flavours to the fore. It's full flavoured but effortlessly elegant and decidedly delicious. Pair with pork or poultry dishes. $80. https://www.mosswood.com.au/