Moss Wood
Winemaker: Clare and Keith Mugford
Planted in 1969, Moss Wood is an important, founding estate of the Margaret River wine region, located in the northern sub–region of Wilyabrup, Western Australia. Clare & Keith Mugford, as winemakers, viticulturalists & proprietors, have been making wine & tending the vineyard at Moss Wood since 1984 & 1979, respectively.
Moss Wood was established as a specialist, high-quality winery. This was its raison d’être and still provides the motivation for its continued existence.
It is Clare and Keith’s belief that all decisions made in the vineyard, or at the winery, are based on the effect they will have on the quality of the wine. As a new wine producing area, Margaret River has a short viticultural history, therefore winemakers need to be continually reassessing their soil management practices and the performance of their vines if they are to understand the viticulture of the region and obtain the best results in the vineyard.
They put significant effort into developing an appropriate style for each of their varieties but the Cabernet Sauvignon, being the first wine, is their primary focus at the time. They looked to the great wines of Bordeaux for inspiration and carefully examined the style of numerous of that region’s wines in the search for clues.
At Moss Wood they believe wine quality is determined in the vineyard and viticultural techniques are constantly reassessed and informed by current research, both of others and their own. This has seen trials and improvements in trellising systems, soil conservation practices and pruning practices.
Their exacting viticulture ensures the production of grapes of excellent quality & they have created a stable of fine wines distinguished by their consistency over each vintage & their ability to age superbly. The Moss Wood & Mugford names are synonymous with uncompromising quality.