One of Australia’s true winemaking treasures, Mount Mary was a key driver in the rebirth of the Yarra Valley in the early 1970’s after nearly 50 years without viticultural activity. Today, in the words of James Halliday, “its star shines brighter than that of any of the 174 wineries in the valley”.   

The 2021 Mount Mary Chardonnay is another stunning example of Yarra Valley Chardonnay from that’s already attracting plenty of deserving attention. As always, only very limited stocks are available, which will go quickly. 

“96 Points. Hand picked, 20% whole-bunch pressed, the balance crushed and destemmed. Matured in French puncheons and barriques (30% new) for 11 months. A light, bright gold with green tinges. Seductive with its bouquet of melon, fresh fig, yellow peach, chamomile and a little lemongrass. A savoury nuance, too. On the palate, which is powerful, densely packed and structured, you’ll find some grapefruit pith and hazelnut. Finishes extremely long, saline and gently grippy. 13.2% alc. Drink: 2022 – 2030. Screwcap”- Philip Rich, winecompanion.com.au. 

“95 Points. A bit of a richer style for Mount Mary Chardonnay in 2021. Pear, quince, some struck match and cedar spice. It has a fair amount of power, with a juicy acid line, a firm flinty texture, apple and pear, cashew and sizzled butter with sage, and a tight finish offering preserved lemon, apricot and a zesty tang. Long. Kind of intense, but very good.”- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.

“This is an intense wine radiating concentration and complexity. It opens with a little struck match, honey, melon and pear on the nose. The palate is beautifully weighted and concentration showing all the hallmarks of Yarra Valley Chardonnay being purity of fruit, elegance and length. The palate is a touch riper than previous vintages, leading with flavours of pear, stone fruits and ripe apple rather than citrus notes. French oak adds some structure, supporting the mid-palate richness of this wine. The textural component, so important to the style, is present but perhaps not as prominent as previous vintages. Mount Mary Chardonnay has stylistically remained so consistent now for 50 years, despite the numerous Chardonnay industry fads that have come and gone”- Sam Middleton, Mount Mary.