2016 Mount Mary Réflexion Chardonnay

Mount Mary

Australia / Yarra Valley / Mount Mary

Fruit from vines planted in 2008 on a south-facing slope on the Mount Mary vineyard. Varying portions of younger plantings also make it into Mount Mary Chardonnay to give youthful vibrancy to the blend. The winemaking methodology follows other Mount Mary white wines, where the fruit is pressed relatively hard to give the wine a phenolic texture. Fermentation is conducted with a high solids component for added complexity.

May, 2018

Mike Bennie

The Wine Front

93+ points

Light golden colour. Whiffs of pecan, honey-butter, ripe citrus and green apple. Right on. Has some flesh in palate but remains crisp and lively despite the apparent width. Indeed, it rips along the palate on chalky, fine acidity and drives long to its mouthwatering conclusion. Sense of ‘minerality’ through and through too. Delicious.

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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.