2017 Marli Russell by Mount Mary RP2

Marli Russell

Australia / Yarra Valley / Marli Russell

55% Grenache, 20% Shiraz, 20% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault. This wine stylistically follows on from other Mount Mary red wines as well as showing all the hallmark characteristics of these fascinating varieties, when grown in cool climates. These varieties are fermented using a large percentage of whole berries as we feel this helps to maximise the expression of the fruit. This wine is matured in barrel (the Grenache in large format oak) for 16 months with only a very small percentage of new oak used in order to preserve the natural complexity of the fruit.
2017 marks the fourth rendition of this blend from our vineyards here at Mount Mary and seems quite obviously the most expressive, fruit forward example we have made to date. The cooler growing season allowed these varieties to hang on the vine longer than is often the case in warmer seasons, encouraging beautifully ripe flavours to develop at moderately low alcohol levels. There is an array of fruit present on the nose including poached strawberry, cherries, redskin, and spice. The palate is light to medium bodied but shows so much persistence and length. There is a very fine line of tannin through the spine of this wine offering some structure and giving it a savoury edge. While this wine is ready to be drunk and enjoyed immediately, we believe it will continue to improve over the next 5-10 years. – Sam Middleton, Mount Mary

August, 2019

James Halliday

Halliday Wine Companion 2020

95 points

55% grenache, 20% each of shiraz and mourvedre, 5% cinsaut, each vinified separately. Hand-picked, bunch-sorted on vibrating tables, open-fermented, 10-14 days on skins, matured in large format French oak (1575-2500l). Tangy, zesty, supple red and black fruits, slinky tannins just so.

November, 2019

Gary Walsh

The Wine Front

94 points

55% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 20% Shiraz, 5% Cinsault, a blend of grapes that I’d never associate with Mount Mary, though perhaps it’s the shape of things to come. Fine perfume and dusty spices, redcurrant jelly and rosehip, blackcurrants. It’s sleek and medium-bodied, juicy and mainly red fruited, a white pepper feel to the tannin, rhubarb and earth, cool acidity, rosy perfume trailing on a long dusty finish. It has what you might call a Pinot Noir sensibility, yet it’s made from very different grapes. All charm and grace.

January, 2020

Huon Hooke

Gourmet Traveller WINE

92 points

With a youthful medium-depth colour, and a savoury bouquet of earthy dried herbs and roasted spices, this Rhône-style blend is medium bodied and intense, lively and elegant, with balanced tannins and a refreshing finish.

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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.