2014 Mount Mary Chardonnay

Mount Mary

Australia / Yarra Valley / Mount Mary

We aim to make a Chardonnay with great length, which reaches a balance between richness and elegance. While some techniques are borrowed from the Burgundians, there are some departures from traditional practice in response to local factors, which ensure a unique wine. The most notable of these is that our Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, as our local climate leaves the fruit with ideal acidity when it is picked. The entire production is barrel fermented. Grape solids are included to give the wine texture, and lees stirring is conducted to add complexity and body. The Chardonnay is matured in barrel for 11 months prior to bottling. 30% goes into new French oak barriques with the remainder in older barrels and large casks (1500L).
There are few words to describe this 2014 other than quintessential Mount Mary Chardonnay. The nose shows some toast from French oak, a slight hint of reduction, grapefruit, nectarine and an array of spices. The palate is well balanced, with the various parts of this wine seemingly already well integrated. There is an underlying intensity and power to the palate. A fresh line of acidity helps to give tremendous length and will indeed hold it in good stead in the cellar for many years to come.– Sam Middleton

July, 2016

James Halliday

Halliday Wine Companion 2017

97 points

Gleaming straw-green; a patrician of barrel fermented Chardonnays that has long since stood proud in the Mount Mary pantheon; fruit, oak and acidity are fused so tightly together deconstruction isn't possible and, in any event, would be irrelevant. Great Yarra Valley Chardonnay, great length.

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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.