Mount Mary is a family-owned, single-vineyard estate situated in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, southeast of Melbourne. Founded in 1971 by John and Marli Middleton, it was among the pioneering vineyards that led the revival of the Yarra Valley as a premier Australian wine region. The first plantings were completed by mid 1972 and today Mount Mary has 40 acres under vine representing 18 varieties.

Mount Mary 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 ensures a unique wine. The most notable of these is that their Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, as our local climate leaves the fruit with ideal acidity when it is picked. It is matured in 30% new French oak barriques with the remainder in older barrels and large casks (1500L). The entire production is barrel fermented. Relatively hard pressing is employed to give the wine texture and lees stirring is carried out to add complexity and body. The Chardonnay is matured in barrel for 11 months prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

"20% whole-bunch pressed, the balance crushed and destemmed. Matured in French puncheons and barriques (30% new) for 11 months. A concentrated Mount Mary Chardonnay where the volume has been turned up in '23! An intense bouquet of white peach, confit lemon, fresh vanilla bean and oyster shells. There's a lot going on and this follows perfectly onto the mouth-filling, powerful, structured and harmonious palate. This will give pleasure for at least 10 if not 15-plus years." 97 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, Philip Rich (2025).