2016 Marli Russell by Mount Mary RP2

Mount Mary

Australia / Yarra Valley / Mount Mary

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 Mount Mary

Mount Mary is one of the great small wineries of Australia, established by Dr John Middleton in 1972. Production is tiny. Mount Mary is noted for both the character and high quality of its wines. Since the first vintage in 1976, it has established itself as one of Australia's most highly regarded producers, commanding a mythical status among wine collectors. The vineyard faces due north and captures optimum sunlight during the growing season. The purity of fruit, poise and structure of Quintet, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot blend, epitomises the estate. It resonates with individuality of place and Dr John’s fastidious respect for the landscape. Mount Mary has continued to take great steps forward while staying true to the vision of Dr John, whose son David oversees the business while grandson Sam Middleton has taken on the winemaking mantle with aplomb.
“It’s axiomatic that generational change can be good or bad, obvious or discreet. The changes at Mount Mary have been unambiguously good, but fittingly discreet.” – James Halliday

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.