2016 Marli Russell by Mount Mary RP2

Marli Russell

Australia / Yarra Valley / Marli Russell

50% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 20% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault. Over the first three vintages we’ve adapted this blend to include all four red varieties that we have planted in our vineyard. In 2015 we were able to include the Mourvèdre and we added the Cinsault to the 2016 RP2. It lends an interesting dimension to an improved, more complex blend. Although it’s difficult - and perhaps pointless - to compare this wine to the Quintet or Pinot noir, we’d suggest it to be a slightly more fruit forward, earlier-drinking style. Although this wine is matured in barrel (the Grenache in large-format oak) for 16 months, it has only a very small percentage of new oak. You might say the depth and palate weight of this wine lands somewhere between the Quintet and Pinot Noir.
The 2016 RP2 shows a particularly complex nose of liquored cherries, assorted spices, liquorice and rich berry fruits. With time in the glass, this wine begins to unveil its true potential, becoming more and more expressive. On the palate it is fresh and lively, showing a wide fruit spectrum of both red and dark fruit. It has beautifully balanced, grainy tannins to match the intensity of flavour. The RP2 is of medium body and exhibits excellent length and persistence. Although this wine is ready to go, do expect further improvement in the cellar. – Sam Middleton, Mount Mary

May, 2018

Mike Bennie

The Wine Front

93 points

Floral perfume, rose hip and strawberry scents, touches of green herbs and pepper. Lovely perfume. Has a softness to taste, supple, very long, very pretty in its just-ripe fruit characters and set on sheets of lively acidity and faint peppery spice. There’s touches of tomato leaf and rhubarb too, but well set into the wine, lending complexity and savoury touches. Lots of charm, sleekness, drinkability.

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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.