2017 Mount Mary Quintet

WINEMAKER: Sam Middelton
REGION: Yarra Valley, VIC
VARIETY: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. The nose is superb and features perfumed like aromatics of violets, ripe red to black currants and subtle mulberries that work in perfect harmony with complexing elements of cedar, dusty earth, light dried herb notes, hints of black olives and spice. Graced with finesse, elegance and class, this is an exquisite Quintet. Decorating the medium bodied palate is a delightful core of ripe red currant and mulberry fruit that’s underpinned by spicy cedar, a light dusting of earth, infusions of fresh herbs, traces of tobacco and black olive. Exceptionally fine tannins along with fresh, finely tuned acidity provide fantastic structure for long term cellaring. Concludes very long and refined with a red fruited aftertaste that’s tinged with elements of dusty cedar, light tobacco, dried herbs and spice.

Set in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Mount Mary is a family owned estate crafting finessed wines across 40 acres of vines. The single vineyard estate is now run by Sam Middleton who works diligently in the vines as his father, David, and grandfather, John, once did. At the forefront of the resurgence of the Yarra Valley, the Middleton family has not taken the foot of the pedal as they continue to innovate and future proof their vines generation after generation.

Finding similarities to Burgundy and Bordeaux, the terroir of the Yarra Valley is the perfect platform for winemakers such as the Middletons to develop their fine wines to rival that of France. Following numerous visits to Bordeaux and Burgundy in the 1960s, John and Marli Middleton looked to acknowledge their passion for premium French wines through forming their own estate in the heart of the Yarra Valley. With an unwavering commitment to making elegant, low alcohol wines from French grape varietals, the couple secured the property now known as Mount Mary in 1971. 

Working the vines sustainably, the team at Mount Mary have a keen interest in soil health adopting practices such as spreading compost to increase soil organic matter, and mulching undervine with straw to increase soil water retention. Minimising the use of machinery each vintage is also in action to help reduce the soil compaction between the rows of vines. Additionally, cover crops are sown down every alternate row helping to increase soil organic matter, improve soil structure and provide a home for the many beneficial insects which play an important role in pest management.