The Moss Wood Pinot Noir 2023 represents one of Australia’s longest-running Pinot Noir traditions. First planted in 1973 and produced every year since 1977, this release marks the 47th vintage from one of Margaret River’s most historic vineyards—a testament to the Mugford family’s consistency and craftsmanship.
The 2023 season offered ideal, measured conditions—mild, steady, and without extremes. Flowering began on 29 October, progressing over 27 days in calm weather, ensuring a balanced fruit set. Summer was mild, with an average temperature of 19.6°C, mirroring the celebrated 2018 vintage. Harvest began on 27 February, yielding pristine fruit at 13.3° Baume, with no disease or sunburn and just the right acidity to support a wine of elegance and longevity.
Tasting Note
Medium ruby in colour, bright and clear. The bouquet is lifted with strawberries, cherries, and cranberries, layered with rose petal, musk, and quince. Beneath these primary notes lie subtle hints of earth, mushroom, and spice, enhanced by light toasty oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and finely balanced, with strawberry and cherry fruit, a thread of plum and rhubarb, and a lively line of acidity supported by supple tannins. The finish reveals clove, cedar, and smoky oak, leaving an impression of poise and drive without excess weight.
Small-Batch Detail
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Region: Wilyabrup, Margaret River
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Vineyard: Moss Wood (planted 1973 – oldest Pinot Noir vineyard in Margaret River)
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Harvest: 27 February 2023
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Yield: 5.15 t/ha
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Fermentation: 80% destemmed, 20% whole bunch, 48-hour cold soak at 8°C
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Ferment Duration: 16 days on skins, hand-plunged three times daily
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Oak Maturation: 18 months in French barriques (18% new)
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Bottling: 25 October 2024 | Alcohol: 14%
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Cellaring: Drink now for its brightness and perfume; full maturity at 20 years
Expert Review
⭐ 91+ Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
“Peppermint, strawberry, cedar, baking spice and tobacco leaf, caramel, amaro twang and herbs. Juicy, quite fleshy, with hazelnut, poached strawberry and blood orange tang. A gently sooty tannin finish of solid length. Pink peppercorn and liquorice pastille close it out. Soft and squishy, but with character and individuality. Robust yet interesting, and built to age.”
Fine Pinot Note
An authentic Margaret River Pinot Noir—vivid, aromatic, and textural. The 2023 Moss Wood captures the elegance of the region’s oldest Pinot vines while offering freshness and age-worthy structure. A perfect match for duck confit, roast pork belly, or wild mushroom risotto.
