Australia's premier cool climate Cabernet. It was John Middleton's dream to create such a wine and purchased the Mount Mary property in the Yarra Valley in 1971 to persue this dream. Quintet is his dream realised and is a blend of the classic Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

This is the first time Mount Mary has released a Syrah under its own label, and it’s a terrific debut. Made entirely from estate fruit, the wine is an elegant, medium-bodied take on the variety, leaning more towards perfume and spice than raw power. There’s a bit of whole bunch in the ferment (30%), which gives the wine some beautiful lifted aromatics. Think dark cherry, black pepper, and dried herbs. The palate is tidy and savoury, with enough texture and gentle grip to keep things interesting without ever feeling heavy. It feels like a natural extension of Mount Mary’s house style, just through the lens of Syrah. A great first step for what could become an important part of the Mount Mary range in the future.

Réflexion Cabernets offers a more immediate, generous take on the BDX blend from the iconic Mount Mary in the Yarra Valley. Sourced from younger estate vines and selected parcels that didn’t fit stylistically with their legendary Quintet, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and a dash of Petit Verdot is all about approachability and drinkability now. It’s absolutely delicious, showing dark berries, graphite, bay leaf and gentle cedar from a measured touch of oak. The palate is medium-bodied and neatly shaped, with fine tannins and a clean, persistent finish. This is a great choice if you love the classic Mount Mary feel but want something that’s drinking well now - or something to see you through while the Quintet slumbers in the cellar.