Price: $79.99	QTY:
Mount Mary Yarra Valley Triolet 2008 The Triolet blend, first produced at this vineyard in 1987, was inspired by the white wines of the Graves, Bordeaux. The vineyard is planted to 75% Sauvignon blanc, 20% Semillon and 5% Muscadelle. Each variety is picked at optimum ripeness, and is usually fermented separately. The characteristics of optimum ripeness are different for each variety. We pick the Sauvignon blanc after the strong herbaceous flavours have disappeared, the Semillon when the acid is not too harsh, and the Muscadelle when the flavour intensity peaks.In the winery we use mostly older barrels for this wine, with the entire production being barrel fermented. We use grape solids to give the wine texture, and lees stirring to add complexity and body. The Triolet is typically barrel aged for 10 months by which time the overt fruity flavours have diminished, and complex aromas are beginning to develop. Superbly refined, elegant and intense Cabernets and usually outstanding and long-lived Pinot Noirs fully justify Mount Mary’s exalted reputation. The Triolet blend is very good; more recent vintages of Chardonnay are even better. Founder and long-term winemaker, the late Dr John Middleton, was one of the great, and truly original, figures in the Australian wine industry. He liked nothing more than to tilt at windmills, and would do so with passion. His annual newsletter grew longer as each year passed, although the paper size did not. The only change necessary was a reduction in font size, and ultimately very strong light or a magnifying glass (or both) to fully appreciate the barbed wit and incisive mind of this great character. The determination of the family to continue the business is simply wonderful, even if the 2007 vintage was severely reduced by frost. Limited quantities of the wines are sold through the wholesale/retail distribution system in Vic, NSW, Qld and SA. 5 star winery James Halliday