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.

The Mount Mary Quintet vineyard features Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (15%), 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.  Average skin contact time 12-16 days. Malolactic fermentation done in barrel.  Ageing for 22 months in combination of large format barrels (2000L) and 225L barriques. 30% new, 30% second fill, and the balance in 3-6 year old barrels. Drink now - 20+ years ageing potential. 

Winemaker Notes

Here we have an example of just how good these varieties can be in this great valley, when idyllic ripening conditions present themselves. Both the aromatics and palate of this wine are of a slightly darker, more brooding flavour profile. The nose shows some cherries (often more prominent in the cooler vintages) but is dominated by blue fruits, namely blackcurrant, blueberries and violets.

There is the customary complexity on the nose from wood spice and leafy undertones contributing a sense of freshness amongst the riper fruit aromatics. The palate is concentrated, intense and full of vibrant primary fruit flavours. An abundance of fine grain tannins set the framework and balance the impressive fruit profile. These tannins are quite prominent now but will soften with time in bottle. This vintage demonstrates the clear evolution our Quintet has undertaken over the past decade through subtle refinements. Mount Mary