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.

RP2 blend includes all four red varieties from Marli Russell plantings being 60% Grenache, 25% Shiraz, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault.

The nose shows the aromatics of all four varieties perfectly intertwined but still individually expressive in their own way. Red fruits of poached strawberry, raspberry and cherry, along with some darker nuances of stewed plum, liquorice and spice. The palate is dark and dense overlayed by the red fruits also detected on the nose added some sweeter, lighter, brighter characteristics. Tannin and acid stretch long and firmly through the core of this wine providing texture, structure and length.

It’s complex and a wine of many layers. Raspberry and blackberry, plenty of perfume and spice, hazelnut, something in the way of dried herbs and earth. Medium-bodied, no shortage of red and black fruit, rose oil, but also something a little more meaty and savoury in the mix, with fresh acidity, kind of like pomegranate, fine emery board tannin grip, and a fine ‘minerally’ finish of excellent length. Outstanding in 2021. Date: Apr 2023; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $67;  Drink: 2023-2030+; Rated: 95 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front