Mount Mary Quintet 2022
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Grape: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
Culinary Suggestions: Quality Steaks, Venison, Roast Lamb, Hard Cheeses
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
The Mount Mary Quintet 2022 is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from one of Yarra Valley’s most revered wineries. This wine represents the epitome of balance and elegance, with each grape varietal contributing to the overall complexity and structure.
Origins
Mount Mary is a family owned, single vineyard estate located in the heart of the Yarra Valley. The region is in the south-eastern corner of Australia, east of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. Established in 1971 by John and Marli Middleton, Mount Mary was one of the first vineyards planted in the resurgence of the Yarra Valley as a premium wine producing region.
The inspiration behind the planting of vines in the Yarra Valley came from the Swiss settlers of the 1850’s. These worldly and hard working immigrants had been greatly influenced by the French wine producers and recognised the climatic parallels the Yarra Valley shared with Bordeaux and Burgundy.
In the 1960’s John and Marli Middleton, driven by a passion for fine table wine, made many visits to the wine producing regions of the world and in particular, to Bordeaux and Burgundy. They soon became hooked on French premium wines and the thought of producing something similar in Australia in the footsteps of the Swiss. They resolved to find a suitable site upon which to establish a small commercial vineyard with the intention of making elegant, low alcohol wines from French varieties. John was driven by an idea put in his head by Colin Preece, Senior Winemaker at Seppelts Great Western, that Australia was yet to produce a refined and elegant Cabernet. John saw it as his duty to work towards this.
And so it was that in 1971, John and Marli stumbled upon the property known as Mount Mary. Surprisingly, this ideally located, gentle north facing slope had not been planted to the vine yet they immediately recognised it as being ideal for their purpose. The first plantings were completed by mid 1972 and today Mount Mary has 40 acres under vine representing 18 varieties.
The four Mount Mary Vineyard estate wines are comprised of two blends traditionally grown and made in Bordeaux, France (Quintet and Triolet) and two varieties traditionally grown and made in Burgundy, France (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay).
Cork Tasting Notes
On the nose, expect aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of leafy herbs, layered with subtle oak and spice notes. The palate is beautifully structured, showcasing fine tannins and a harmonious blend of dark fruits, earthy undertones, and a refined minerality. With its vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins, the Quintet 2022 offers a long, polished finish, reflecting the exceptional growing conditions of the vintage.
Critic Reviews
97 points
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front September 2024
Cherry and chocolate, blueberries, violets, tobacco, pencils, baking spice, a light mint perfume. It’s medium-bodied, so fine and ‘minerally’, with succulent graphite tannin, cool fresh acidity to balance, quite some mouth-perfume, and kind of ferrous too, and the length is superb, finishing bright and steely, redcurrant and cranberry carries in the aftertaste. Superb. Such energy and class. There’s something about (Mount) Mary.
Drink 2026 - 2047+