2022 Mount Mary Quintet

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

48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot. "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." - Sam Middelton

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.