Mount Mary - Triolet 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 Triolet blend, first produced at Mount Mary in 1987, was inspired by the white wines of Graves, Bordeaux. This wine is considered quite unique by Australian standards and has developed a reputation for ageing remarkably well. The vineyard is planted to 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon and 10% Muscadelle. Each variety is picked at optimum ripeness, and is fermented separately. The Sauvignon Blanc brings the mid palate flavour and richness, the Semillon, freshness and focus from razor sharp acidity, while the Muscadelle gives the floral and aromatic top notes. In the winery they use mostly older barrels for this wine, with the entire production being barrel fermented.

This year’s Triolet opens with its customary seashell, brine, oyster shell nuisances that have become a hallmark of this blend for a number of years now. With very little time at all in the glass, this wine leaps out with an array of aromatic complexity. Initially there are citrus notes, lemon and grapefruit, but then riper characters, more suggestive of melon, pear and dried apricot quickly become the dominant players. The palate is rich, concentrated and textured. There are flavours of lychee, ripe pear, apricot and blackcurrant leaf. The palate is defined by persistent acid, chalky phenolics and a long, persistent finish. John would often quip, ‘the best Triolet vintages are often the riper ones’ and this wine is certainly testament to that.