Mount Mary is one of the great small wineries of Australia, established by Dr John Middleton in 1972. Production is tiny. Mount Mary is noted for both the character and high quality of its wines. Since the first vintage in 1976, it has established itself as one of Australia's most highly regarded producers, commanding a mythical status among wine collectors. The vineyard faces due north and captures optimum sunlight during the growing season. The purity of fruit, poise and structure of Quintet, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot blend, epitomises the estate. It resonates with individuality of place and Dr John’s fastidious respect for the landscape. Mount Mary has continued to take great steps forward while staying true to the vision of Dr John, whose son David oversees the business while grandson Sam Middleton has taken on the winemaking mantle with aplomb.

Hand picked, 20% whole-bunch pressed, the balance crushed and destemmed. Matured in French puncheons and barriques (30% new) for 11 months. A light, bright gold with green tinges. Seductive with its bouquet of melon, fresh fig, yellow peach, chamomile and a little lemongrass. A savoury nuance, too. On the palate, which is powerful, densely packed and structured, you'll find some grapefruit pith and hazelnut. Finishes extremely long, saline and gently grippy. Date: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 13.2%; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 96 Points; Philip Rich; James Halliday Wine Companion

The only cuvee in the range to be bottled under stelvin. While this closure may promote a waft of reductive tension, reduction is never intentionally sought and depends on the nature of the fruit and yeasts of any given year. A pungent, mid-weighted expression with real torque: tension, expansion and release of yellow and green plum, nectarine and a indescribable chalkiness, the oak tucked in effortlessly and barely detectible. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. Rating: 95 Points; Ned Goodwin MW; James Suckling

Pear, quince, some struck match and cedar spice. It has a fair amount of power, with a juicy acid line, a firm flinty texture, apple and pear, cashew and sizzled butter with sage, and a tight finish offering preserved lemon, apricot and a zesty tang. Long. Kind of intense, but very good. Date: Aug 2023; Alcohol: 13.2%; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2031+; Rated: 95 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front