Mount Mary Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2020

Winemaking and Drinking

Mount Mary’s 2020 Chardonnay is a standout wine from one of Australia's most prestigious wineries, located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Known for producing classic, refined wines with a deep sense of place, Mount Mary has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s premier winemakers, and the 2020 Chardonnay is a testament to their craftsmanship.

Origins

The Mount Mary estate, established in 1971 by Dr. John Middleton, is one of the Yarra Valley’s pioneering vineyards. Situated on a north-facing hillside, the vineyard benefits from cool-climate conditions that are ideal for producing elegant, complex Chardonnays. The 2020 vintage was marked by cooler-than-average temperatures and dry weather, which resulted in smaller yields but exceptional quality fruit. This vintage reflects the precision and patience that Mount Mary is renowned for.

Tasting Notes

The 2020 Mount Mary Chardonnay is a wine of incredible balance and finesse. On the nose, it offers aromas of citrus zest, white peach, and a delicate touch of almond and hazelnut, intertwined with subtle oak influences from French oak barrel aging. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and fresh, with flavors of lemon curd, nectarine, and a flinty minerality. It has a creamy texture but maintains a lively acidity that leads to a long, refreshing finish. The wine’s elegance and depth make it a great candidate for aging, as it will develop more complexity over the next decade.

Awards and Accolades

The 2020 Chardonnay has received critical acclaim from wine experts and reviewers alike. It earned high scores from notable publications like The Wine Advocate and James Halliday's Wine Companion, with Halliday praising it for its "precision and purity." Many critics have lauded the wine for its ability to reflect the Yarra Valley terroir while maintaining a restrained, Burgundian style. It continues Mount Mary’s legacy of producing world-class Chardonnays that rank among the best in Australia.