"THE MASTER'S APPRENTICE GOES IT ALONE"
DR JOHN MIDDLETON of MountMary and RON LAUGHTON of Jasper Hill are highly respected names in the Australian Wine Industry, being regarded as Giants of their respective regions. The name MARIO MARSON however, is not widely known amongst the general public, since he has spent most of his winemaking career working in the shadow of Giants. All this is about to change. Mario has spent fifteen vintages under the watchful eye and guidance of John Middleton, who to this day remains the supreme winemaking genius of the YarraValley. The Mount Mary Cabernets is the Valley's most expensive red, and is highly sought after for its quality and consistency. Those who know Middleton attribute his success to his meticulous, surgical-like winemaking and viticultural techniques. This attention to detail has been inherited by Marson, who after years of dedicated service has decided to go it alone - one hundred acres of Cambrian Earth were purchased on the Eastern slopes of the MountCamelRanges. But new vineyards do not produce fruit overnight, and consequently a second apprenticeship was commenced under Heathcote Giant, Ron Laughton of Jasper Hill. Laughton is the tour-de-force of the region, with a formidable International reputation for his Emily's and Georgia's Paddock wines. Mario spent weekends and holidays working on his own vineyard, whilst gaining experience with Laughton and a great insight into the peculiarities of the Heathcote terroir. Finally, the day of emerging from the shadows of Giants arrived. It was time for Mario to launch his own label: VINEA MARSON. It comes as no surprise to find that the completed wine is a summation of Mario’s past influences, superimposed over his own ambitions. The attention to winemaking detail, experienced at MountMary, is evident in the elegance, power and finesse of this wine. These qualities are counterpointed by the voluptuous richness of Jasper Hill and the mastery of velvet smooth tannin structures, whilst insuring the wine’s longevity. Yet Mario's own personality and background is Italian, so it was expected that Sangiovese and Nebbiolo would be planted alongside Heathcote Shiraz. The Northern Rhone was another important influence. 3% Viognier has been included in the Shiraz, giving the wine an additional layer of complexity and a more supple texture. The French influence is also apparent by the change of name from Shiraz to Syrah – a philosophy that has been adopted by another Giant, ROMAN BRATASIUK of Clarendon Hills. Vinea Marson is a complex matrix of influences that will grow and gain ever more complexity with time as Mario gains greater understanding of the Heathcote Terroir and begins to cast his own long shadow for younger winemakers to follow.
Vinea Marson reflects a complex matrix of influences which have been inspired by MountMary and Jasper Hill.
Tasting Note:
Mario Marson was winemaker for Mount Mary for fifteen vintages prior to establishing his own vineyard and winery in the Heathcote area. The wines he makes are beautifully structured but tighter than those of his neighbours. This is hardly a surprise given the fact that Mario spent years developing the famous Mount Mary Quintet Cabernet wines. Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Perfumed nose of violets, spice and blackberry. The palate is tight with a very peppery back palate. Flavours of vanilla, cedar and spice are followed by white pepper, plum and mocha overlaid with violet infusions. Fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of dark chocolate, white pepper and blackberry.
Cellar 3-4 years (2009-2010)
Alc/Vol: 15%
Click here to read more about the Heathcote wine region.
