Mount Mary Vineyard Quintet 2018
The iconic Mount Mary Vineyard Quintet is a red Bordeaux blend made from a selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes that are grown on the Mount Mary Vineyard in Australia's Yarra Valley. The percentage of each variety that goes into the final blend changes with the season as factors such as fruitfulness and fruit set vary. The greatest influence they have over the quality of this wine is deciding when to pick each variety. This determines not only the flavours but the quality of tannins, the acid and alcohol levels. These varieties ferment on skins for around 12-14 days, followed by 22 months of barrel maturation, with 25% of the blend in large format oak (1500L or larger), and 30% in new barriques (225L). The remaining wine is matured in 2-5 year old barriques. Minimal fining and filtration is carried out prior to bottling. "Shimmering ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit preserve, incense notes lift from the glass. Palate-staining, finely etched red and blue fruit, rose pastille, licorice and espresso flavors deftly blend depth and vivacity. Finishes youthfully chewy and precise, with steadily building tannins, resonating red fruit, spice and floral notes and remarkable persistence." Josh Raynolds (Vinous) - 97 Points
