- Langton's Classified & 2018 Heritage Five (alongside Penfold's, Henschke, Leeuwin Estate and Wendouree)
- James Halliday Red 5-Star Winery
- James Halliday 'Winery of the Year 2018'
The wines of Mount Mary have a legendary status in the annals of Australian wine history. Rare and highly sought after by collectors, the modest production is quickly snapped up every year. Thanks to the passion of the late Dr John Middleton (founder) to make what the country had yet to produce - a refined and elegant Cabernet - the vineyard was one of the first to be planted in the rebirth of the Yarra Valley as a premium wine region.
Their flagship wine, Quintet, is regarded as Australia's finest "Bordeaux blend" and is one of only 3 wines to have been included in the Langton's Classification top "Exceptional" category since 1996 (the other two are Penfold's Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace, both Shiraz). Their other estate wines - a Bordeaux-inspired white blend, a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir - are likewise considered world-class. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also classified "Outstanding" and "Excellent", respectively.
The Middleton family take their winegrowing and winemaking seriously, obsessively even. Although not certified organic or biodynamic, they put much effort into sustainable viticultural practices and philosophies, such as using compost and preserving a natural habitat for native species. Over half the property is dedicated to conservation through renewable energy and water recycling programs, replantings and revegetation efforts - endeavours that have seen increased numbers of native wildlife enriching the environment.
The affable Sam Middleton, who is the current winemaker, oversees the tiny but immaculate production. They are proud to have their entire winemaking process - from growing to bottling - contained on premise. "This philosophy has been central to who we are since day one and will remain our approach to producing fine table wines in the future."
In the words of acclaimed wine critic, James Halliday, ". . . its (Mount Mary) star shines brighter than that of any of the 174 wineries in the Yarra Valley."