2018 Mount Mary Quintet

This legendary Yarra Valley Cabernet blend continues to grow in stature under the tenure of Sam Middleton with the 2018 vintage receiving widespread critical acclaim as one of the best Quintets yet. A blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot the wine saw 22 months maturation in a combination of 25% large format oak (1500L or larger), 30% in new barriques (225L) and the remainder in 2-5 year old barriques.

Totally opaque black dark red colour with a bright dark purple red hue. The nose presents a lovely combination of red to black currant, violet and ripe mulberry aromatics followed by complexing elements of dusty earth, vanillin cedar, faint notions of sweet tobacco and spicy fresh herb notes. Showing great finesse and class a wave of rich red and black currant fruits ride the medium weighted palate underscored by ripe mulberry, earthy graphite characters, subtle dusty cedar, dried herbs and spice. Graceful power with beautifully refined tannins seamlessly integrated with the fruit and a youthful freshness – the framework ideal for long term cellaring. Concludes with a long, elegant finish that’s layered with perfectly ripened red fruits.
Cellar 10-20 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews....
Stands proudly at the head of the Mount Mary portfolio. A blend of 44% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 5% each of malbec and petit verdot, each variety handled according to its structure. Open/static fermenters, wood/stainless steel, 10-14 days on skins, 35% new oak from a range of coopers and forests, 16-20 months in barrel. Mesmerisingly silky, with a kaleidoscope of fruit and secondary flavours.
99 points
James Halliday - Wine Companion

This is a great edition of this standard bearer for elegant Yarra Valley claret. The nose is detailed and fresh with a central theme of red and dark berries, cedar, cocoa powder, violet-like florals and light leafy notes. The palate has such expressiveness with impressively vibrant red cherries, plums and berries, all in unison with faultlessly fine, long and seamless tannins. This is delicious now and will age so well. The greatest Quintet ever? Certainly in my lifetime!
99 points
Nick Stock - JamesSuckling.com

44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. The holy trinity of Cabernet from south of the equator, for me at least, is Te Mata Estate Coleraine, Cullen Diana Madeline, and Mount Mary Quintet.
Blackcurrant, cherry, raspberry, violet, an empty box of chocolates, and subtle leafy perfume. Medium-bodied, deft delivery of intense small-berried red and black fruit, tobacco and dried flowers with a discreet seasoning of cocoa, embroidered with pure and vital acidity, fine carbon tannin, and a supremely long and fresh finish. If there were a dictionary of wine, this would be listed under the word ‘class’.
97+ points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front