2017 Marli Russell by Mount Mary RP2

Mount Mary

Australia / Yarra Valley / Mount Mary

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 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.