2013 Mount Mary Quintet

Mount Mary

Australia / Yarra Valley / Mount Mary

The vineyard is planted to Cabernet sauvignon (46%), Merlot (26%), Cabernet franc (18%), Malbec (5%) and Petit verdot (5%). The percentage of each variety that goes into the final blend changes with the season as factors such as fruitfulness and fruit set vary. The greatest influence we have over the quality of this wine is deciding when to pick each variety. This determines not only the flavours but the quality of tannins, and the acid and alcohol levels. The fermentation regime is similar to that of the Pinot, although slightly longer fermentations are employed (up to 12 days). This is followed by 22 months of barrel maturation, with 25% of the blend in large format oak (1500L or larger), and 30% in new barriques (225L). – Sam Middleton

February, 2015

James Halliday

96 points

Bright, clear colour; the fruit-filled, fragrant bouquet is followed by a classic Mount Mary palate: medium-bodied, and with a certain transparency akin to an orchestra with different instruments, the very essence thereof; near the flute are red fruits, the violin the black fruits, the bassoon tannins - all very different, but all in harmony, the sum of the parts greater than the whole.

April, 2016

Huon Hooke

Gourmet Traveller WINE

95 points

This is a typically elegant, compact Mount Mary red with great cellaring potential. Modest in alcohol at 12.9%, it has a bright, young colour and aromas of violet and blue and red fruits. Lively acidity contributes to its fine, driving backbone and great length.

February, 2020

Mike Bennie

The Wine Front

96+ points

Softening up a bit, red berry and green herbs, very tense and chewy, tightly wound tannin profile, lean and succulent feel and seriously long. Such structure here. Incredible tannin and acidity. And youthfulness. 2020-2045+.

August, 2018

Nick Stock

jamessuckling.com

94 points

More abundant sweet fruit on the nose, as well as cassis, violets, red plums and cherries. Some graphite-like, stony notes, too. The palate is supple and fleshy with a shell-like layer of crisp tannins around the edges. The cabernet is driving this along. Try from 2022.

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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.