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.

Cabernet and Blends of the Year. A blend of 47/28/15/6/4% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/petit verdot/malbec. Fermented with whole berries and at different temperatures, depending on the variety. All varieties are matured in both barriques and 1600L foudres for 12 months then racked into barriques (35% new) for another 10 months before blending and bottling. A deep, bright, crimson ruby. Brooding with classic dark cherries, blackcurrant, iodine, violets and fresh lead pencil shavings. Saturates the palate without being remotely heavy. The tannins are muscular, very persistent and in perfect harmony with the fruit. A magnificent wine that will provide enormous enjoyment over the next two decades. Date: Jan 2024; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $205.00; Drink by: 2038; Rating: 98 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

Deep ruby tinged with purple and there are very attractive aromas of blueberry, cassis and violet, the middle-palate deliciously deep in flavour with sweet fruit at the core, abundant tannins which are svelte and fine, the final impression being of a gorgeously succulent cabernet with wonderful balance and flow, drinking beautifully now but undoubtedly with the potential to develop happily for many years hence. It has prodigious palate length. A seriously impressive red wine. Rating: 98 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

This is an icon of Australian cabernet for a reason, and this release is no exception. Refined aromas of blackcurrants, graphite, cedar, tobacco leaves and cocoa beans. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of mulberries, graphite, citrus peel and mulberry bush. A wonderful balance of structure and fruit that intertwine harmoniously. Excellent. Drinkable now, but best from 2028. Rating: 98 Points; James Suckling