Set in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Mount Mary is a family owned estate crafting finessed wines across 40 acres of vines. They aim to make a Chardonnay with great length, which reaches a balance between richness and elegance. While some techniques are borrowed from the Burgundians, there are some departures from traditional practice in response to local factors, which ensures a unique wine. The most notable of these is that their Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, as the local climate leaves the fruit with ideal acidity when it is picked. The 2023 vintage is shaping up to be truly exceptional for Yarra Valley Chardonnay, with a number of standout wines across the region. Aromatically, this wine opens with a vibrant lift of fresh lime, melon, and pear, supported by subtle oak-derived notes of brioche and toasted almond adding complexity. On the palate, a broad and expressive flavour spectrum unfolds. Lemon, lime, and grapefruit provide a bright and zesty core, transitioning seamlessly into riper tones of white peach, melon, and pear. Some well integrated, fine grained oak is present, contributing gentle layers of toasty, nutty complexity and crème brûlée richness without overwhelming the fruit. The wine finishes with length, intensity, and poise. Fine acidity and textured phenolics create a structural backbone that supports both immediate food pairing appeal and longterm cellaring potential.
