2017 Mount Mary Chardonnay

Mount Mary

Australia / Yarra Valley / Mount Mary

Chardonnay remains the premier white grape of the Yarra Valley. In seasons like 2017, we believe it can rival some of the best Chardonnays of the world. Our newest Chardonnay blocks are now approaching 10 years of age, adding an extra layer of clonal diversity to this wine when blended with our older plantings (now reaching 35-45 years of age). The nose of the 2017 Chardonnay opens with citrus characters, lemon curd, some riper melon nuances, along with struck match, toast, and almond meal. The palate is fine, elegant and pure with flavours of citrus, grapefruit, honey and some very appealing toasty oak complexities. The defining feature of this wine on release is the pristine acid line and tremendous length. While the palate shows ample generosity now, expect this wine to build concentration over the next few years as it relaxes a little in bottle. – Sam Middleton

August, 2019

James Halliday

Halliday Wine Companion 2020

98 points.

Clones 76, 277, P58, Mendoza, I10V1; the first two are the Bernard/Dijon clones, which are new additions to the vineyard. Hand-picked, destemmed direct to the press, specific yeast selection, fermented and matured in French oak (25-30% new) from various coopers for 11 months. The wine is positively electric/alive with pinpoint precision and length. Mouthwatering, glorious, and will live for decades.

September, 2019

Gary Walsh

The Wine Front

96 points.

It’s a tight one in 2017, that’s for sure. Lime, lemon and lemon curd, vanilla yoghurt, almond, just a little stuck match. It’s racy but flavoursome, bites down pretty firmly, and doesn’t really let go. Intense quartz-like texture and juicy lime acidity pulses through citrus and tangy pineapple, the finish long and slightly spicy, all chalk and mouth-watering goodness. Hooray for Mount Mary Chardonnay.

February, 2020

Mike Bennie

The Wine Front

96 points

Picked for good flavour, around 25% new oak, spends 11 months on oak, lees stirred but less than Mount Mary of the past. A matrix of factors giving inputs. The 2017, 2015, 2012 favourite vintages of Sam Middleton of the past decade or more, “really fantastic years for growing chardonnay”, he quips. Slurpy, slippery texture, silky even, flint and smoke minerality flecked through stone fruits and green apple, a touch of saline character and some smooth nuttiness. Generous but brisk. A good handshake. So delicious too. 2020-2035+.

June, 2019

Nick Stock

JamesSuckling.com

95 points.

There’s a complex, mealy and savory side here with a very assertive white-peach, mango and nectarine edge, too. The palate offers intense flavor with intense freshness and the grilled hazelnuts and peaches hold long. Drink now. Screw cap.

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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.