2020 Mount Mary Vineyard, Quintet, Yarra Valley, Australia

The most famous red wine grape in the world and one of the most widely planted.

Victoria’s oldest viticultural area dates back to 1837. It was initially admired for its dry wines before losing to the fortifieds from South Australia and, latterly, the dairy cow. The 1960s saw its revival with the launch of Yarra Yering in 1969 and Mount Mary in 1971. Famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region has also attracted interest from sparkling houses, notably Domaine Chandon.

Mount Mary has an exalted reputation in the wine world and has accrued a somewhat cult following. Established in the Yarra Valley in 1971, with an annual production of around 3,000 cases, it continues the legacy of its founding father, winemaker Dr John Middleton -who died aged 82 on 27 June 2006- to produce superbly refined, powerful Cabernets and elegant, long-lived Pinot Noirs. The Triolet blend and Chardonnay are two superb offerings from the white stable. It's just a pity so little is made!