This was quite lovely. While the Mount Mary Pinot that preceded it may have had pretensions towards Burgundian elegance, this was still a world away. There was no mistaking its origins - it had an earthy, funky, soil and undergrowth driven nose, yet somehow still showing pure red fruited tones of cherry and strawberry, spice and green bramble, with a kiss of sweet oak and flowers at the very fringes of the bouquet. A very open, very inviting nose. Lovely palate too. It had generosity and richness that quite belied the vintage, showing ripe, sappy, weighty flavours of cherry and red berries with a touch of cola on the attack. Such a lovely yummy feel - very juicy, very round, almost like biting into a fresh fruit. It was only in the finish were the 1995 character started showing, with a thin layer of fine, powdery tannins that pulled the wine in long, slightly grippy finish with dark fruit riding on a bed of earth. Really nice, and just about starting to drink well I would think.

Mount Mary's "Reflexion" range was launched in 2009 to "reflect" the harsh, forest-fire threatened vintage. I really would not have known if not for the blurb on the website though - this was a lovely example of Aussie Pinot. It did not pretend to be a Burgundy, yet there was no lack of elegance and character on what was supposed to be an off-vintage, early drinking wine. The nose showed pretty aromas of sweet cherries and raspberries with a bit of soil and a nice floral component , with a little curl of smokiness that just may have been the fires speaking. The palate had a sappy, creamy new world feel, with a modicum of sugary sweetness to its ripe red-fruited cherry and raspberry flavours. Yet for all that, there was also a lovely old world-lishsense of balance, with juicy, orangey acidity lending the wine a great sense of focus and definition. I liked this, there was a good bit of depth and presence to it without being overbearing or in your face. Lovely finish too, ending in a nice undertow of mineral, bramble and spice. Very enjoyable indeed - this is good to go now. In fact, it is not one I would age for long, but enjoy it while it lasts.