Marli Middleton (nee Russell), co-founder of Mount Mary, was the inspiration behind the label in recognition of her enthusiasm for the family to continue the pursuit of new ideas. Marli was an adventurous and fun loving woman and it’s this spirit of hers that shines through in these wines.
In 2008, in response to changing environmental conditions and a desire to evaluate new varieties, Mount Mary began to establish additional vineyard areas at Mount Mary. Seven varieties that have been traditionally grown in the Rhone Valley of France were chosen with the vision to continue to explore the potential of Mount Mary's unique site, creating some new and exciting wines.
The varieties planted include three white grapes, Marsanne, Roussanne and Clairette and four red grapes, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.
Marsanne 45%, Roussanne 45% and Clairette 10%. These Marli Russell wines are interesting, because even though they use Rhone grape varieties, they still come over as being very Mount Mary, not contrary. Tasted alongside the 2017, and that wine is a bit leaner and tighter, but not as textural and interesting as this 2018. The 2018 also seems a bit longer.
Quince, lime, almond, a slight flinty/smoky note, honey and flowers. It’s tight, and focussed, the fine chalky texture very appealing, delivers crunch and lime/green apple flavour, and finishes long and firm, with an almost quinine bitterness (as a positive, of course) and melon rind. Feels like it will go very well with bottle age.
94+ points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au Jun 2020 Drink 2020 - 2030