2015 Marli Russell by Mount Mary RP1

Marli Russell

Australia / Yarra Valley / Marli Russell

60% Marsanne, 40% Roussanne. The 2015 Marsanne/Roussanne shows slightly more varietal expression to that of the 2014. It opens with aromas of ripe pear and melon typically attributed by the Marsanne and fresh lime from the Roussanne. Similarly on the palate the Marsanne gives this wine great richness and a soft mid palate while the Rousanne offers the tight mineral backbone. Phenolic texture is very important to the style of this wine.

August, 2017

James Halliday

Halliday Wine Companion 2018

95 points

A 60/40% blend. Diamond-bright straw-green; initially Marli keeps her skirt tucked tight around her ankles, then just when you think you'd better come back later, the wine soars on the back-palate and aftertaste. These are typically reticent varieties - they're not aromatic, so there's everything to look forward to.

August, 2017

Campbell Mattinson

The Wine Front

93+ points

Richness and restraint combined. This is a white wine worthy of the decanter. It’s tight, spicy, plush through the middle with melon, custard apple and pear flavours, but then taut to close – though, allowed to breathe, delicious notes of anise appear here too. There’s a real sense of power here; it has all the bases covered; the quality is tip top.

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About Marli Russell

Marli Russell is a pioneering range to further explore the potential of the Middleton family's site and complement the traditional Mount Mary range. Back in 2007, a year after the death of Dr John Middleton, the family embarked on what was initially known as their ‘Rhône Project’. Ever-changing environmental conditions and the purchase of adjacent land inspired them to plant seven Rhône varieties. Three white grapes went in - Marsanne, Roussanne and Clairette – alongside four red varieties: Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.
Marli Middleton, née Russell, was the inspiration behind the label. As wife of Dr John, she was co-founder of the estate and grandmother to current winemaker Sam. These wines boast all the class, intrigue and balance of the Mount Mary wines, and are poignant recognition of Marli’s enthusiasm for the younger generation to continue in the pursuit of new ideas.

About

Sam Middleton is a third generation wine maker from the Mount Mary family. He holds a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne as well as a degree in Wine Science from Charles Sturt University. His background includes employment at several significant producers including Coldstream Hills and Dominique Portet. Sam has gained experience in France working a vintage in Burgundy in 2009 and travelling extensively through other wine regions on a number of occasions since. Bordeaux is of special interest to him as a result of its role in Mount Mary's history. Growing up in the Yarra Valley alongside his father and grandfather, grapes and wine have always been a part of life. He has always demonstrated a passion for primary production and has a deep respect for this region and its unique ability to produce world-class wines.