Marli Russell RP2 by Mount Mary - Rhone Blend

2017 MARLI RUSSELL RP2 

Rhone Blend - 55% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 20% Shiraz, 5% Cinsault

Overview:

Over the first 4 vintages the Mount Mary team have adapted the Marli Russell blend to include all four red varieties that were planted in our vineyard, being Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre and Cinsault. In 2015 we were able to add the Mourvedre and then also added the Cinsault to the 2016 RP2 which has added an interesting dimension to an improved, more complex blend. Although it is difficult and perhaps pointless to compare this wine to the Quintet or Pinot noir, we would suggest it to be a slightly more fruit forward, earlier drinking style. Although this wine is matured in barrel (the Grenache in large format oak) for 16 months, it has a very small percentage of new oak. You could expect the depth and palate weight of this wine to be somewhere in between the Quintet and Pinot Noir -MM

Tasting Notes

2017 marks the fourth rendition of this blend from our vineyards here at Mount Mary and seems quite obviously the most expressive, fruit forward example we have made to date. The cooler growing season allowed these varieties to hang on the vine longer than what is often the case in warmer seasons, allowing beautifully ripe flavours to develop at moderately low alcohol levels. There is an array of fruit present on the nose including poached strawberry, cherries, redskin, and spice. The palate is light to medium bodied but shows so much persistence and length. There is a very fine line of tannin through the spine of this wine offering some structure and giving it a savoury edge.

Whilst this wine is ready to be drunk and enjoyed immediately we believe it will continue to improve over the next 5-10 years.

About the family Estate:

Mount Mary is a family owned, single vineyard estate located in the heart of the Yarra Valley. The region is in the south-eastern corner of Australia, east of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. Established in 1971 by John and Marli Middleton, Mount Mary was one of the first vineyards planted in the resurgence of the Yarra Valley as a premium wine producing region.

The inspiration behind the planting of vines in the Yarra Valley came from the Swiss settlers of the 1850’s. These worldly and hard working immigrants had been greatly influenced by the French wine producers and recognised the climatic parallels the Yarra Valley shared with Bordeaux and Burgundy.