Mount Mary - Quintet - 2000

Even finer than the exceptional 1999 release, named as a finalist for last year's OnWine Wine of the Year, is the most exciting young cabernet blend I have ever tasted from Mount Mary. Its deeply scented fragrance of cassis, violets and dark plums, lightly polished cedar and chocolate oak precedes an underlay of gravel and mocha. An essay in creamy vinous texture and restrained strength, its palate bursts with dark berry fruits, revealing layers of smoky, herbal complexity suggestive of dried leaves. Perfectly ripe, sumptuous and firm, it is framed by powder-fine tannins. No apologies that this benchmark Australian expression of the left bank Bordeaux blend is hard to lay hands on. If you're serious, you'll find a way. Drink 2012-2020+. Jeremy Oliver, jeremyoliver.com - 97 Points