Here’s a detailed tasting profile for the Moss Wood Ribbon Vale ‘Elsa’ Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River, 2020 vintage — an expressive and sophisticated white that pushes beyond the typical fresh Sauvignon Blanc style:
🍋 Appearance
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Light to medium straw hue with golden tints, vibrant and bright in the glass.
👃 Aromas (Nose)
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Tropical and citrus fruits: lifted notes of lychee, passionfruit, pineapple and gooseberry sparkle on the nose.
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Herb garden and green herb accents add complexity alongside lemon peel and citrus blossom.
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Hints of nutmeg spice and subtle toasty oak — the result of barrel fermentation and maturation — lend extra depth.
👄 Palate (Taste & Texture)
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Full-bodied and weighty for a Sauvignon Blanc style, reflecting oak influence and lees contact.
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Generous tropical and stone fruit flavours — passionfruit, lemon glacé and peach — balanced by fresh, mouth-watering acidity.
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A touch of leafy, anise-like note and faint saline minerality adds intrigue through the mid-palate.
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The finish is clean and persistent, with lively acidity carrying flavour length and complexity.
🍷 Winemaking Notes
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A 90% Sauvignon Blanc / 10% Semillon blend, barrel fermented and matured for nine months in French oak barriques.
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Partial malo-lactic fermentation and lees ageing build texture, weight and richness while preserving freshness.
📊 Style Summary
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Shows a rich, textured expression of Sauvignon Blanc with tropical and citrus intensity, oak-derived complexity, and vibrant acidity.
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This is a sophisticated take on the variety — creamy, layered and more textured than classic stainless-steel styles.
🍽️ Food Pairing Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with:
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Grilled or steamed seafood — lobster, prawns or kingfish with lemon butter.
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Creamy pasta or herb-buttered chicken to echo richness.
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Soft and creamy cheeses, where the acidity cuts through and adds balance.
Halliday Score Reference: This 2020 Elsa received 95 points from James Halliday (Halliday Wine Companion) and is recommended drinking through roughly 2027.
