Mount Mary is a distinguished family-owned winery located in the heart of Victoria's Yarra Valley, renowned for its commitment to producing premium, elegant wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Established in 1971 by Dr John and Marli Middleton, Mount Mary has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Yarra Valley as a premier wine-producing area.
Founding and Early History
In the 1960s, Dr John Middleton, a Melbourne-based anaesthetist, and his wife Marli developed a passion for fine French wines, particularly those from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Inspired by the quality and elegance of these wines, they aspired to create something similar in Australia. Their search for a suitable vineyard site led them to a gentle north-facing slope in the Yarra Valley, a region with a winemaking history dating back to the 1830s but which had seen a decline in viticulture by the mid-20th century. Recognising the potential of this site, the Middletons established Mount Mary in 1971, planting their first vines in 1972.
Vineyard and Winemaking Philosophy
Mount Mary spans approximately 40 acres, with 18 hectares under vine, cultivating a variety of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle. The winery's philosophy centres on producing wines of finesse and purity, with a focus on low alcohol levels and minimal intervention to allow the vineyard's characteristics to shine through. This approach reflects Dr Middleton's belief in the importance of site selection and meticulous vineyard management in crafting exceptional wines.
Signature Wines
Mount Mary's portfolio includes several flagship wines that have garnered critical acclaim:
Quintet: A Bordeaux-style blend comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The Quintet is celebrated for its elegance, complexity, and ageing potential, embodying the refined, cool-climate wines of the Yarra Valley.
Triolet: A white blend inspired by Bordeaux, combining Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle. The Triolet showcases aromatic complexity and a balanced palate, reflecting the winery's dedication to crafting distinctive white wines.
Pinot Noir: Produced in a Burgundian style, Mount Mary's Pinot Noir is known for its fragrant bouquet, fine tannins, and remarkable depth of flavour, highlighting the suitability of the Yarra Valley for this varietal.
Chardonnay: This wine exemplifies the winery's commitment to elegance and balance, offering a harmonious blend of fruit intensity and minerality, with the capacity to develop further complexity with age.
Legacy and Leadership
Following Dr John Middleton's passing in 2006, the winery has remained under family stewardship, with his grandson Sam Middleton assuming the role of winemaker in 2011. Sam continues the family's tradition of meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing wines that express the unique character of the Mount Mary vineyard.
Sustainability and Innovation
Mount Mary has undertaken initiatives to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of its vineyard. In 2008, the winery began a detailed program of vine improvement, assessing the implications of progressively moving towards a 100% grafted vineyard to provide immunity from phylloxera and a move to sustainable organic viticulture.
Accolades and Recognition
Mount Mary's wines have consistently received high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. The Quintet, in particular, has been lauded for its elegance and complexity, with the 2020 vintage being awarded Red Wine of the Year in 2021. The winery's commitment to quality and consistency has solidified its reputation as one of Australia's premier wine producers.
Visiting Mount Mary
While Mount Mary does not operate a public cellar door, it maintains a dedicated clientele through its mailing list and offers its wines through selected restaurants and retail outlets. This approach allows the winery to maintain a close relationship with its customers and ensure that its wines are enjoyed by those who appreciate their unique qualities.
The 2022 Vintage: A New Chapter
The 2022 vintage marks an exciting moment for Mount Mary and wine enthusiasts alike. As the first vintage being offered to cuvée customers, it represents not only a new chapter for those discovering Mount Mary wines but also a deeper appreciation of the winery’s exceptional craftsmanship.
The 2022 growing season in the Yarra Valley presented unique challenges and opportunities. It was characterised by a cool and wet start, which required precise vineyard management to ensure optimal ripeness and fruit quality. The Middleton family’s meticulous care in the vineyard paid off, resulting in a vintage that promises both elegance and vibrancy, hallmarks of Mount Mary’s style.
The 2022 Quintet, in particular, showcases an impressive balance of fruit purity, fine tannins, and layered complexity. It's a wine with potential for long-term cellaring but is already showing beautifully structured flavours that make it accessible to drink in its youth. The 2022 Pinot Noir stands out for its perfumed aromatics and refined palate, reflecting the delicate touch of Sam Middleton and the family’s continued dedication to Burgundian elegance. Meanwhile, the 2022 Chardonnay bursts with energy, displaying a beautiful interplay between acidity and fruit, with notes of white stone fruits, citrus, and a subtle mineral finish.
This vintage not only embodies the ongoing Mount Mary legacy but also introduces cuvée customers to wines that promise to leave a lasting impression. Offering the 2022 vintage is an exciting step for cuvée, connecting wine lovers with a producer that remains at the forefront of Australian winemaking excellence.
Conclusion
Mount Mary's dedication to producing elegant, refined wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Yarra Valley has established it as a benchmark for quality in Australian winemaking. Through meticulous vineyard management, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on traditional winemaking techniques, the Middleton family continues to honour the legacy of its founders while embracing innovation to ensure the continued excellence of Mount Mary's wines.
