Mount Mary is an iconic smallish producer in Victoria's Yarra Valley whose founder, John Middleton, passed away in mid-2006 after a successful medical career and then a long and challenging foray making four specific wines - a Bordeaux white blend (Triolet), a Chardonnay, a Pinot and a Bordeaux red blend (Quintet). His family are continuing the great traditions the good doctor established since the first vines were planted in 1972.
Just picked up a mixed case and and a half of MM Chardonnay's (2000 - 2005) having read some glowing reco's from a few "esteemed wine aficiandos" of late. Picked up six bottles from this vintage and what a marvellously subtle expression of soil, grape and barrel. Still tightly coiled and youthful built on a distinctly mineral spine supporting beautifully honed grapefruit/melon/nectarine fruit intermixed with some undoubtably classy mealy/nutty/charry/spicy oak influences (particularly in the bouquet). Built for the longer haul, this wine drinks splendidly now but will also reward many years rest in a quiet, dark cool place. The long and probing palate is particularly fine revealing a rare focus and delineation as it unravels on a very tight and nervy schedule. 93 points with possibly a higher score as more bottle-aged complexity builds with time. Great result for the winery.
