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.

65% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Semillon, 12% Muscadelle

An outstanding release, perhaps the best I’ve tasted in the last two decades, showing concentrated flavor and a pithy character with tension, drive and a distinctive Pessac-like mineral core. Aromas of lemon confit, Asian pears, oats, beeswax, lanolin, flint, mandarin blossoms, grapefruit, biscuits, crushed stones and honeysuckle. The palate is fine and textural, with racy acidity wrapped around a weighted, seamlessly integrated mouthfeel, layered with minerals over a citric finish. Truly exceptional and unique and arguably the finest interpretation of Bordeaux blanc in this region. 65% sauvignon blanc, 23% semillon and 12 percent muscadelle. Drink or hold. It will age for decades. Screw cap. Date: Aug 2025; Rating: 99 Points & Number 2 in Top 100 Wines for 2025 ; James Suckling

65/25/10% sauvignon blanc/semillon/muscadelle. Crushed and destemmed with 20% whole bunches in the press. Barrel fermented and matured for 11 months in seasoned barriques. Brightly coloured. Intense aromas of confit lemon, quince, oyster shell and white flowers. Even at this early stage, there's a real sense of harmony on the chalky, saline, structured and very long palate. If you have never tasted this wine, you are missing out on what I have long regarded as one of the Yarra Valley's, and indeed Australia's, finest white wines. Date: Feb 2025; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $135.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 97 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion