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.

46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot

47/28/15/6/4% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/petit verdot/malbec. A medium, very bright purple. With aromas of pure blackcurrant, crushed violets, pencil-box shavings and graphite, this soars effortlessly from the glass. Medium to full bodied, this has an intensity on the palate that's in perfect harmony with the wine's firm yet svelte, long-chained tannins. Another superb Quintet destined to cellar well for over the next 10–20 years. Date: Feb 2026; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $240.00; Drink by: 2040; Rating: 98 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

The 2024 Quintet is perfumed and so balanced, leading with notes of cassis, sweet tobacco, dusted licorice, raspberry seed, rose petals and sandalwood. The palate is ultra-fine, and the tannins are everywhere and not at all obvious. It’s a fine art to get so much structure and shape into the wine without it being obvious. The wine is brambly, leafy and a little minty; and having said everything else about the ripeness of fruit and tannin, it is this character more than anything that lends itself to the very long haul ahead. This is a beautiful wine, as usual. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Rating: 97 Points; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Blackcurrant, fresh blackberry, raspberry, pencil shavings, violet and dried roses, a little roast red capsicum, along with some vanilla cream. It’s medium-bodied, a lively carriage of acidity, a fine dusting of grainy tannin, with a gently sappy finish of outstanding length. This is Yarra Cabernet in full flight, and such a delicious and engaging wine. Vivacious and so charming. Yes. Date: Aug 2026; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $225; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2028-2044+; Rated: 96+ Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front