The first Seppelt Moyston was made by the legendary Colin Preece in 1951 and it is clear that, 47 vintages later, Moyston has stood the test of time. Originally called 'Claret', Seppelt Moyston Cabernet Merlot is well made and offers great value for money. The 2003 Moyston Cabernet Merlot demonstrates the successful blending of fully ripened cabernet and merlot grapes to produce a generous, fruit-driven style, complemented by subtle oak.
Regional Source: Bendigo, Great Western and Glenlofty.
Vintage Conditions: Central and Western Victoria experienced very dry conditions with a cool spring followed by a moderate summer and clear, dry weather following throughout to harvest. Low yields, partially caused by the very cool 2002 vintage and increasing maturity assisted the vineyards in weathering the conditions well and producing a crop with excellent intensity of flavour.
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Maturation: This wine was matured in a combination of new, one and two year old French oak.
A rich vibrant plum, with bright purple hues. Rich cassis and bramble aromas combine with darker plum notes. Soft and medium bodied with generous plum and berry characters combining with richer, darker merlot flavours. Maturation in French adds hints of spice. The finish is long and balanced with acidity and soft oak tannin. Arthur O'Connor
Seppelt Moyston Cabernet Merlot 2003 ($24) screwcap: Re-launch of the Moyston label – and arguably looking better than ever. Full of perfumed ripe fruit, excellent fineness, chalky mouthfeel and delicious blooms of sweet violets – with bitter chocolate, currants, briar and mature tannin building up the frame. This will live and grow for a long time. Drink: 2006-2015. 92-93 points. Campbell Mattinson, Winefront Monthly
An extract from Boccaccio's interview with Seppelt winemaker Arthur O'Connor
Tell me about the new release Seppelt Moysten Cabernet Merlot 2003? Moysten was such a great label all those years ago, what made you finally bring it back?
We have been working on a 'Bordeaux' style red for nearly two years now and continually searching for a name, and then finally the thought came, "why not call it Moyston?". It was one of those moments when it all fits into place, "of course, why didn't we think of it earlier". The 2003 will put this label back where it began life, as one of Australia's great reds, those out there who remember this label fondly will feel like an old friend has returned, it is rich but not heavy, complex but focused, elegant and layered. The 2003 Moyston and 2003 Chalambar, due out in March, will deliver superb quality at an amazing price, which is what Seppelt is all about. Arthur O'Connor
