Mount Mary - Quintet 2022

Set in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Mount Mary is a family owned estate crafting finessed wines across 40 acres of vines. The vineyard is planted to Cabernet sauvignon (50%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet franc (15%), Malbec (5%) and Petit verdot (5%). The percentage of each variety that goes into the final blend changes with the season as factors such as fruitfulness and fruit set vary. The greatest influence they have over the quality of this wine is deciding when to pick each variety. This determines not only the flavours but the quality of tannins, the acid and alcohol levels.

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.