Grapes are hand harvested, lightly crushed, totally destemmed, fermented in both open and closed fermenters with careful temperature control and frequent pumping over.
Malolactic fermentation takes place once primary fermentation is completed. After the lees have settled, the wine is de-vatted to 30% new French oak barriques and 70% large format oak casks in its first year.
In its second year, the wine is racked into seasoned two to six-year-old barriques for 10 months.
Winemaker Rob Hall explained that Dr John Middleton liked this wine to come in at around 12.5% alcohol if at all possible and of course it can be a challenge to get phenolics ripe at this level of lightness.
But if anyone can do it in this area, Mount Mary can.. this vintage came in at a modest 12.9%! 🍇 🍷 🇦🇺 This 2006 vintage has been dedicated to its founder, who passed away in 2006.. Dr John Middleton.
Happy Birthday bro Eng, cosy dinner at Senses - Farm to Plate with LMC and WMK. Surely this has a chance to become a 4.5 🌟 wine in say 5-10 years.
La Sense - Farm to Plate, Malaysia 16th Sep 2023
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Best Mount Mary I’ve enjoyed. Terrific Cabernet family blend, lovely smooth texture, nice acidity but not overpowering. One of the best Aussie Bordeaux style blends I’ve consumed, if not the best. Still years to go!
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A lovely, elegant and balanced Quintet but for me probably not one of the better vintages. Has all the MM hallmarks; medium weight, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf and some herbal notes, but doesn’t feel like it has that dintinguishing complexity or X factor that often sets it apart. Feels maybe a little short on the finish for me as well. I wonder whether this was a younger wine to drink or if it has more development to come? Unsure.
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Still young and fruit driven. Decanting absolutely required. 2 hours of decanting offered more inspiration but yet to develop the beautiful fineness that will develop with an additional 10 years in the cellar.
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Decanted for an hour before drinking. Very young appearance and taste for its age (15+ years now). Really fruit driven - bucketloads of cassis but also some plum, and then cherry, which adds some lift. Whilst never over oaked, there is generous cedar and cigar box notes in this Quintet along with some leather. But right now, this is all about the fruit. This is still a babe and while it can be drunk and enjoyed now, I think 5-10 years will bring further complexity.
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A most satisfying drink but it does need to be decanted at least 2 hours before consumption at the moment.
Quite muted and dull at first, what struck me was the balance and proportion of the wine. Fine tannin, clean acid, supple and racy body. Upon opening, a typical Yarra Valley cabernet emerged for me - not too much fruit but leaning towards blackcurrant / cassis aroma, the body had shades of berries, white pepper with an undertone of mint but not outrageously so. Finish was long and rounded.
I suspect this can go a long way. Drink now or 15+ years.
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Brilliant red, clean, sparkling nose of red fruit. Fine fully integrated tannin. Medium bodied. Lovely drinking. Outshone the 2006 Pontet Canet! Near best but will hold for an extended period
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Colour deep, dark and amazingly fresh. Nose pleasantly fruited but muted. Decanted for an hour. Tasted like a red cherry tart with too much acid not enough fruit. There were secondary flavours of cedar and a certain minerality. Had an overall medium to slight deeper weight for MM. Wasn’t unpleasant but just wouldn’t give up the fruit and wouldn’t integrate. Consumed over 2hrs but maybe would have been better after even more time. Pleasant and very fresh for its age but was decidedly outshone by 2004 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet.
375ml….perfect cork, perfect cellaring since direct winery purchase and colour on pour looked totally ok BUT was now a mix of portish sweetness and a vinegar edge - v sad….
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Consumed in a vertical tasting against the 2004 and 2007 (not for sale). Cork superb. This drank very differently to the 2004 which is showing its age immediately upon decant. This is much more fruit forward. Well integrated too. The air softens this over a few hours and you can begin to see the artistry. Still fruit, but mellow. Tannins, acid, alcohol all working in balance. Hard to beat this - a near perfect example and enjoyed the journey.
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Lovely wine. Elegant and yet has a restrained power about it. Agreeing with some previous commentary on it still being too soon to see the best of this. I’d continue holding if I had more
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NobleRottersSydney - Mount Mary (Fix, St James, Sydney): {diam, 12.9%} Almost absurdly young; this has hardly developed – tasting anything under fifteen years old might have been a waste. Dark currant notes; it dominated by pure fruit, but not overtly so. Vigorous palate, with youthful currant fruit. Has a tight yet assertive feel to it still; medium dusty tannins, medium acid, medium long finish. Not heavy or clunky, but coiled. Needs another decade at least.
First of a case of six; started drinking after my wife and I finished our last bottle of 2004. Purchased at a steep discount; provenance excellent, composite cork perfect. Decanted for three hours; served at about 17 degrees. 12.9% alcohol, which in most places, I guess, would be labelled maybe 13%. Hmmm.
Colour: dark ruby; lighter around the rim. Nose: pure black currant. Text book black currant. Wow, so much black currant fruit. Body: light to medium bodied; not nearly as "plush" as 2004. Lean and tight, but not austere. Texture: light to light medium mouthfeel, no real depth or richness. Almost the body and texture of a Cru Beaujolais from a vintage other than 2015 or 2009. Flavour: a lot of black currant; slightly sour dark cherries, tartness, which I haven't experienced from Mount Mary before this vintage.
Based on my experience with the 2004 vintage, I think this wine could benefit from a couple of years of proper cellaring. It will never be a rich or plush wine, but I don't really expect that from Mount Mary. But I do expect a little more full flavour, which this wine doesn't present at the moment. I also expect a bit more interesting development over the course of a meal. This didn't offer that. It is very linear, slightly tart, and focused like a laser. It was more of the same throughout the meal.
It is well crafted: there is no thin, mean green weediness to this wine which I could easily see happening with other makers. But. . .
Appearance: Bright and clear, the wine is of deep ruby colour, with fading rim and legs. Nose: Clean, with medium (+) intensity aromas of black fruit of blackberry, blackcurrant and plum, pungent spice of pepper, perfume notes of rose, oak notes of cedar, kernel notes of toasted walnut, maturity notes of tobacco. The wine is developing. Palate: Dry with medium (+) acidity, the wine has medium (+) tannin of ripe and silky texture, medium alcohol, medium body, with medium (+) flavours of black fruit of dark cherries, blackberry and cassis, oak notes of vanilla, kernel notes of toasted walnut, maturity notes of tobacco. The wine has a long finish. Conclusion: Very good quality Yarra Valley Bordeaux blend with a nice concentration on the nose showing good complexity, the wine is vibrant and elegant, well-balanced and having a finesse. The palate is also intense with good flavors and a very long finish. It is ready to drink now and can maintain for another 6-8 years.
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Deeply ruby coloured, well balanced flavour. Aroma is very subtle, palate is round and smooth but not very long, very little tanin. Beautifully made blend, delightful drinking.
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A poignant tribute to the winery founder, Dr John Middleton is on the label of this vintage. RIP.
As usual for Quintet you see a wine that is not so dense but looks and smells correct for a lighter Bordeaux blend. Its somewhat perfumed, no doubt from the grape varieties and controlled, restrained wine making and there is some Cabernet Franc in the mix after all.
Upon drinking though, it misses the tannin structure of Bx and just provides an elegant and nicely balanced instantly recognisable Cabernet and friends drink that can be enjoyed say with a good steak. In fact its rather like a Pinot of the Cabernet world, almost see-through and reflecting that in the mouth also, this vintage especially.
I have had more flavourful and richer vintages but this vintage is certainly true to the style and will still cellar for ages. Drinking well now though.
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Decent midweek quaffer, because...Monday :) A nice balanced nose of cassis, blackberry, floral notes, tobacco, green bramble, and some vanillin oak. The palate would be described as 'elegant' by some, and 'thin' by others, but is well structured, with fine tannins, good acidity and a fruit rather than spice finish. It's a light Cab blend in the best Bordeaux tradition. Only 12.9% ABV. Not for people who want a robust Aussie cab blend.
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Excellent Cab based blend from Yarra. Aged perfectly at 11 years old. Nose still very vibrant. Good berry fruit. Nicely integrated tannins, very smooth.
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From magnum this had complex aromatics of red berries, cassis, tobacco and capsicum. Fresh in the mouth with a core of cassis and all sorts of cooler elements. It has good grip and length.
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Decanted, poured glass and left balance in decanter for 2 hours. It's an understatement to say this wine needs time. The improvement over the full 3 to 4 hours was very significant. Subtle, complex, elegant, classy, balanced - all come to mind - but only after this has been given plenty of air time. It's amazing to track how the wine evolves and builds in body (medium), complexity and length (prodigious) over the evening. Very impressive.
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I am not sure about this wine. Initially it cam across as very simple, without structure, more like a fruit cordial. After an hour or so it started to show some nice structure and complexity. There is good length but still lacks a wow factor for a wine of this calibre. Perhaps, given other reviews, a not great bottle, but so far not worth the price.
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Oh no, I really wanted to praise this wine, but I fear that Robert Parker is right. It's like a minor Bordeaux.
I love the classic style of old Bordeaux. I prefer low alcohol, savoury wines. In short, I like everything about the Mount Mary style. The wine is considered a national treasure. And this is a good vintage. But compared to Chateau Senéjac 2006 (a good cru bourgeois from an average vintage) the Mount Mary is a bit simple, a nice soft core of sweet fruit but excessive capsicum.
On another night I might have enjoyed it more, but sadly I doubt I'd ever consider this great wine.
12.9% ABV, sealed with Diam.
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Apothecary 1878 118 Hindley St, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
375ml half bottle.
Poured two glasses.
From the open, muted nose, light fruit and light palate weight. Left the glasses for two hours and came back to the wine intermittently to observe time in glass equal to increased fruit weight and body.
Two hours open, youthful appearance, purple rim, opaque black heart. Aniseed, French oak spice from the glass. Medium fruit weight. Red and black descriptors of strawberry, black currant, red cherry, leather, balanced acidity refreshes on the ever improving finish towards three hours. Last glass bursting with cabernet fruit. This requires years in the cellar to see its best.
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Beautiful elegant wine; needing much more cellaring but reeks class already. Perfectly ripe red berries (nothing overblown here) with many complex nuances, seamlessly integrated with subtle French oak, have produced a penetrating and very fine palate that only began to really express itself after 2 hours decanting and then much more time in the glass. This won't hit its peak for another 5-10 years but it will be a treasure for discerning palates then! If this wine matures as I hope, it will be worthy of the late, great Dr John.
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NobleRottersSydney - Flagship wines (Alio's, Surry Hills): [cork, 12.9%] {Gordon} A fine contrast to the 1996. Somewhat developing nose and succulent cherries and currants. More intense and obviously youthful than the 96, almost perfumed in its bloom. The palate is firmly medium-bodied, with ultra fine tannins; quite fruity in a restrained cabernet way, with classy dark berries and currants. Oak is barely noticeable. Here’s another even, balanced palate, with a long and finely etched finish. Wants 5 more years in the cellar and will be astoundingly good. Would that more local wines had this balance and finesse and sub-13% alcohol levels. Gorgeous wine.
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This bottle was still very young and tightly wound, and nees a few more years. Pruple/deep red in the glass. Aromas of dark fruits and light. In the mouth good acidity balanced by the fruit and silky tannins that will last for ages.
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Far too young but can see the potential. A riper Mount Mary with firm tannins which haven't resolved into the fruit yet. Nice oak and lovely red berry fruit, slight tobacco notes and some herbal forest floor flavours. Could not mistake this for Bordeaux but it has a charm and character that does make it unique. This one will age very well and will be fantastic in 10 years time.
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Second time I've had this and the first was really just a tasting. Once again this wine confirmed my previous notes that this is one of Australia's best Cabernet blends. A very classy wine with complexity seldom seen in the overripe souped up versions which are in abundance in this country. A long road for this to travel as it is still showing a raw edge but already a beautiful wine.
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Such a classy wine. Only 12.9% alcohol as stated on the label and this is when Bordeaux blends really sing to me. Too ripe and the structure compromises the subtlety and finesse, too low and the wine is lean. A tightrope really with a fairly narrow opening for all the components. A great producer, Mount Mary has never moved an inch despite trends seeing many other prestigious labels heading towards bigger, riper styles. To me this wine represents all that Australian Cabernet blends can be. Subtle, complex and more in common with higly fancied European styles in that it has a thread of minerality and texture, but unmistakably Australian in character. A potentially great wine, head and shoulders above the rest.
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1/21/2024 - Dsen wrote: 95 Points
Robbos birthday. Nicely balanced , typical mount mary , lovely
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10/28/2023 - rrotar Likes this wine:
Drank 10/22
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10/28/2023 - rrotar wrote:
Drank in 10-22
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10/27/2023 - rrotar wrote:
Frank first 28/10/23
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9/16/2023 - Juliansi Likes this wine: 90 Points
Super excited to share my 1 and only Mount Mary, this is an iconic Bordeaux Blend from Yarra near Melbourne.
About AUD 250 from Dan Murphy's - This is a blend of 50% Cab, 24% Merlot, 17%CF, 9% Malbec and PV - 5 varietals hence a Quintet.
Preparation: 2 hours bottle breathed.
Prominent blackcurrant nose, medium body, acidity medium+, tannins ultra fine. Mediterranean herbs, tobacco and light graphite.
Grapes are hand harvested, lightly crushed, totally destemmed, fermented in both open and closed fermenters with careful temperature control and frequent pumping over.
Malolactic fermentation takes place once primary fermentation is completed. After the lees have settled, the wine is de-vatted to 30% new French oak barriques and 70% large format oak casks in its first year.
In its second year, the wine is racked into seasoned two to six-year-old barriques for 10 months.
Winemaker Rob Hall explained that Dr John Middleton liked this wine to come in at around 12.5% alcohol if at all possible and of course it can be a challenge to get phenolics ripe at this level of lightness.
But if anyone can do it in this area, Mount Mary can.. this vintage came in at a modest 12.9%! 🍇 🍷 🇦🇺 This 2006 vintage has been dedicated to its founder, who passed away in 2006.. Dr John Middleton.
Happy Birthday bro Eng, cosy dinner at Senses - Farm to Plate with LMC and WMK. Surely this has a chance to become a 4.5 🌟 wine in say 5-10 years.
La Sense - Farm to Plate, Malaysia
16th Sep 2023
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2/3/2023 - peter.mancell@mfg.com.au Likes this wine: 96 Points
Best Mount Mary I’ve enjoyed.
Terrific Cabernet family blend, lovely smooth texture, nice acidity but not overpowering.
One of the best Aussie Bordeaux style blends I’ve consumed, if not the best.
Still years to go!
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1/12/2023 - deverett wrote: 91 Points
A lovely, elegant and balanced Quintet but for me probably not one of the better vintages. Has all the MM hallmarks; medium weight, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf and some herbal notes, but doesn’t feel like it has that dintinguishing complexity or X factor that often sets it apart. Feels maybe a little short on the finish for me as well. I wonder whether this was a younger wine to drink or if it has more development to come? Unsure.
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9/6/2022 - Marbruck Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still young and fruit driven. Decanting absolutely required. 2 hours of decanting offered more inspiration but yet to develop the beautiful fineness that will develop with an additional 10 years in the cellar.
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2/2/2022 - JonathanP wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for an hour before drinking. Very young appearance and taste for its age (15+ years now). Really fruit driven - bucketloads of cassis but also some plum, and then cherry, which adds some lift. Whilst never over oaked, there is generous cedar and cigar box notes in this Quintet along with some leather. But right now, this is all about the fruit. This is still a babe and while it can be drunk and enjoyed now, I think 5-10 years will bring further complexity.
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1/30/2022 - tanduybui Likes this wine: 93 Points
A most satisfying drink but it does need to be decanted at least 2 hours before consumption at the moment.
Quite muted and dull at first, what struck me was the balance and proportion of the wine. Fine tannin, clean acid, supple and racy body. Upon opening, a typical Yarra Valley cabernet emerged for me - not too much fruit but leaning towards blackcurrant / cassis aroma, the body had shades of berries, white pepper with an undertone of mint but not outrageously so. Finish was long and rounded.
I suspect this can go a long way. Drink now or 15+ years.
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11/6/2021 - JH@B wrote: 93 Points
Brilliant red, clean, sparkling nose of red fruit. Fine fully integrated tannin. Medium bodied. Lovely drinking. Outshone the 2006 Pontet Canet! Near best but will hold for an extended period
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10/15/2021 - nwebstar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Colour deep, dark and amazingly fresh. Nose pleasantly fruited but muted. Decanted for an hour. Tasted like a red cherry tart with too much acid not enough fruit. There were secondary flavours of cedar and a certain minerality. Had an overall medium to slight deeper weight for MM. Wasn’t unpleasant but just wouldn’t give up the fruit and wouldn’t integrate. Consumed over 2hrs but maybe would have been better after even more time. Pleasant and very fresh for its age but was decidedly outshone by 2004 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet.
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7/10/2021 - nwebstar wrote:
375ml….perfect cork, perfect cellaring since direct winery purchase and colour on pour looked totally ok BUT was now a mix of portish sweetness and a vinegar edge - v sad….
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5/22/2021 - mrwineface Likes this wine: 95 Points
Consumed in a vertical tasting against the 2004 and 2007 (not for sale). Cork superb. This drank very differently to the 2004 which is showing its age immediately upon decant. This is much more fruit forward. Well integrated too. The air softens this over a few hours and you can begin to see the artistry. Still fruit, but mellow. Tannins, acid, alcohol all working in balance. Hard to beat this - a near perfect example and enjoyed the journey.
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9/1/2020 - Jimmy_D Likes this wine: 94 Points
Lovely wine. Elegant and yet has a restrained power about it. Agreeing with some previous commentary on it still being too soon to see the best of this. I’d continue holding if I had more
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7/8/2020 - graemeg wrote:
NobleRottersSydney - Mount Mary (Fix, St James, Sydney): {diam, 12.9%} Almost absurdly young; this has hardly developed – tasting anything under fifteen years old might have been a waste. Dark currant notes; it dominated by pure fruit, but not overtly so. Vigorous palate, with youthful currant fruit. Has a tight yet assertive feel to it still; medium dusty tannins, medium acid, medium long finish. Not heavy or clunky, but coiled. Needs another decade at least.
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5/24/2020 - CharlesHK wrote: 89 Points
First of a case of six; started drinking after my wife and I finished our last bottle of 2004. Purchased at a steep discount; provenance excellent, composite cork perfect. Decanted for three hours; served at about 17 degrees. 12.9% alcohol, which in most places, I guess, would be labelled maybe 13%. Hmmm.
Colour: dark ruby; lighter around the rim.
Nose: pure black currant. Text book black currant. Wow, so much black currant fruit.
Body: light to medium bodied; not nearly as "plush" as 2004. Lean and tight, but not austere.
Texture: light to light medium mouthfeel, no real depth or richness. Almost the body and texture of a Cru Beaujolais from a vintage other than 2015 or 2009.
Flavour: a lot of black currant; slightly sour dark cherries, tartness, which I haven't experienced from Mount Mary before this vintage.
Based on my experience with the 2004 vintage, I think this wine could benefit from a couple of years of proper cellaring. It will never be a rich or plush wine, but I don't really expect that from Mount Mary. But I do expect a little more full flavour, which this wine doesn't present at the moment. I also expect a bit more interesting development over the course of a meal. This didn't offer that. It is very linear, slightly tart, and focused like a laser. It was more of the same throughout the meal.
It is well crafted: there is no thin, mean green weediness to this wine which I could easily see happening with other makers. But. . .
Let's see this wine again in 2022.
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4/28/2019 - peterchoy wrote: 93 Points
Appearance: Bright and clear, the wine is of deep ruby colour, with fading rim and legs.
Nose: Clean, with medium (+) intensity aromas of black fruit of blackberry, blackcurrant and plum, pungent spice of pepper, perfume notes of rose, oak notes of cedar, kernel notes of toasted walnut, maturity notes of tobacco. The wine is developing.
Palate: Dry with medium (+) acidity, the wine has medium (+) tannin of ripe and silky texture, medium alcohol, medium body, with medium (+) flavours of black fruit of dark cherries, blackberry and cassis, oak notes of vanilla, kernel notes of toasted walnut, maturity notes of tobacco. The wine has a long finish.
Conclusion: Very good quality Yarra Valley Bordeaux blend with a nice concentration on the nose showing good complexity, the wine is vibrant and elegant, well-balanced and having a finesse. The palate is also intense with good flavors and a very long finish. It is ready to drink now and can maintain for another 6-8 years.
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12/27/2018 - Jim Yencken Likes this wine: 96 Points
Deeply ruby coloured, well balanced flavour. Aroma is very subtle, palate is round and smooth but not very long, very little tanin. Beautifully made blend, delightful drinking.
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4/5/2018 - F1NUT Likes this wine: 90 Points
A poignant tribute to the winery founder, Dr John Middleton is on the label of this vintage. RIP.
As usual for Quintet you see a wine that is not so dense but looks and smells correct for a lighter Bordeaux blend. Its somewhat perfumed, no doubt from the grape varieties and controlled, restrained wine making and there is some Cabernet Franc in the mix after all.
Upon drinking though, it misses the tannin structure of Bx and just provides an elegant and nicely balanced instantly recognisable Cabernet and friends drink that can be enjoyed say with a good steak. In fact its rather like a Pinot of the Cabernet world, almost see-through and reflecting that in the mouth also, this vintage especially.
I have had more flavourful and richer vintages but this vintage is certainly true to the style and will still cellar for ages. Drinking well now though.
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4/24/2017 - AnonymousCoward Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decent midweek quaffer, because...Monday :) A nice balanced nose of cassis, blackberry, floral notes, tobacco, green bramble, and some vanillin oak. The palate would be described as 'elegant' by some, and 'thin' by others, but is well structured, with fine tannins, good acidity and a fruit rather than spice finish. It's a light Cab blend in the best Bordeaux tradition. Only 12.9% ABV. Not for people who want a robust Aussie cab blend.
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4/6/2017 - jerrysvino wrote: flawed
Excellent Cab based blend from Yarra. Aged perfectly at 11 years old. Nose still very vibrant. Good berry fruit. Nicely integrated tannins, very smooth.
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2/11/2017 - Jeremy Holmes wrote:
From magnum this had complex aromatics of red berries, cassis, tobacco and capsicum. Fresh in the mouth with a core of cassis and all sorts of cooler elements. It has good grip and length.
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9/30/2016 - Paco55 wrote: 93 Points
Decanted, poured glass and left balance in decanter for 2 hours. It's an understatement to say this wine needs time. The improvement over the full 3 to 4 hours was very significant. Subtle, complex, elegant, classy, balanced - all come to mind - but only after this has been given plenty of air time. It's amazing to track how the wine evolves and builds in body (medium), complexity and length (prodigious) over the evening. Very impressive.
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11/27/2015 - Andrew67 wrote: 89 Points
I am not sure about this wine. Initially it cam across as very simple, without structure, more like a fruit cordial. After an hour or so it started to show some nice structure and complexity. There is good length but still lacks a wow factor for a wine of this calibre. Perhaps, given other reviews, a not great bottle, but so far not worth the price.
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10/30/2015 - ProfByron wrote: 85 Points
Oh no, I really wanted to praise this wine, but I fear that Robert Parker is right. It's like a minor Bordeaux.
I love the classic style of old Bordeaux. I prefer low alcohol, savoury wines. In short, I like everything about the Mount Mary style. The wine is considered a national treasure. And this is a good vintage. But compared to Chateau Senéjac 2006 (a good cru bourgeois from an average vintage) the Mount Mary is a bit simple, a nice soft core of sweet fruit but excessive capsicum.
On another night I might have enjoyed it more, but sadly I doubt I'd ever consider this great wine.
12.9% ABV, sealed with Diam.
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4/17/2015 - MyCellar01 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Barossa Vintage Festival 2015.
Apothecary 1878
118 Hindley St,
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
375ml half bottle.
Poured two glasses.
From the open, muted nose, light fruit and light palate weight.
Left the glasses for two hours and came back to the wine intermittently to observe time in glass equal to increased fruit weight and body.
Two hours open, youthful appearance, purple rim, opaque black heart.
Aniseed, French oak spice from the glass.
Medium fruit weight. Red and black descriptors of strawberry, black currant, red cherry, leather, balanced acidity refreshes on the ever improving finish towards three hours. Last glass bursting with cabernet fruit. This requires years in the cellar to see its best.
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4/12/2014 - Pinotphile123 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Popped and poured so would probably given a higher score if decanted.
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10/31/2013 - Greg Munyard wrote:
Beautiful elegant wine; needing much more cellaring but reeks class already. Perfectly ripe red berries (nothing overblown here) with many complex nuances, seamlessly integrated with subtle French oak, have produced a penetrating and very fine palate that only began to really express itself after 2 hours decanting and then much more time in the glass. This won't hit its peak for another 5-10 years but it will be a treasure for discerning palates then! If this wine matures as I hope, it will be worthy of the late, great Dr John.
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2/11/2013 - graemeg wrote:
NobleRottersSydney - Flagship wines (Alio's, Surry Hills): [cork, 12.9%] {Gordon} A fine contrast to the 1996. Somewhat developing nose and succulent cherries and currants. More intense and obviously youthful than the 96, almost perfumed in its bloom. The palate is firmly medium-bodied, with ultra fine tannins; quite fruity in a restrained cabernet way, with classy dark berries and currants. Oak is barely noticeable. Here’s another even, balanced palate, with a long and finely etched finish. Wants 5 more years in the cellar and will be astoundingly good. Would that more local wines had this balance and finesse and sub-13% alcohol levels. Gorgeous wine.
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11/16/2012 - kleal wrote: 96 Points
This bottle was still very young and tightly wound, and nees a few more years.
Pruple/deep red in the glass. Aromas of dark fruits and light. In the mouth good acidity balanced by the fruit and silky tannins that will last for ages.
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11/21/2011 - deverett wrote: 93 Points
Far too young but can see the potential. A riper Mount Mary with firm tannins which haven't resolved into the fruit yet. Nice oak and lovely red berry fruit, slight tobacco notes and some herbal forest floor flavours. Could not mistake this for Bordeaux but it has a charm and character that does make it unique. This one will age very well and will be fantastic in 10 years time.
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3/4/2011 - Retil wrote: 96 Points
A superb wine. The smoothest of tannins, medium body with a complexity which is subtle. A clean finish.
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10/10/2010 - AJ72 wrote: 94 Points
Second time I've had this and the first was really just a tasting. Once again this wine confirmed my previous notes that this is one of Australia's best Cabernet blends. A very classy wine with complexity seldom seen in the overripe souped up versions which are in abundance in this country. A long road for this to travel as it is still showing a raw edge but already a beautiful wine.
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9/6/2010 - AJ72 wrote: 94 Points
Such a classy wine. Only 12.9% alcohol as stated on the label and this is when Bordeaux blends really sing to me. Too ripe and the structure compromises the subtlety and finesse, too low and the wine is lean. A tightrope really with a fairly narrow opening for all the components. A great producer, Mount Mary has never moved an inch despite trends seeing many other prestigious labels heading towards bigger, riper styles. To me this wine represents all that Australian Cabernet blends can be. Subtle, complex and more in common with higly fancied European styles in that it has a thread of minerality and texture, but unmistakably Australian in character. A potentially great wine, head and shoulders above the rest.
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5/29/2010 - AndrewJ Likes this wine: 97 Points
Elegant and supremely balance, the height of yarra valley cabernet with layers of interest. Slight mintiness and a liberal dose of x-factor. 12.9%.
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10/20/2009 - CamWheeler wrote: 94 Points
Graphite, raspberry, strawberry and cherry aromas. Palate is wonderful - has fruit weight, structure and superb length.
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