Mount Mary is one of the Yarra Valley’s most iconic and historically important wineries, founded by the late Dr. John Middleton in 1971. The estate is internationally respected for its unwavering commitment to elegance, balance, and restrained winemaking. Today, the Middleton family continues this philosophy with meticulous vineyard management and a focus on producing age-worthy wines of purity and nuance. The Triolet, Mount Mary’s flagship white blend, stands as one of Australia’s most distinctive and refined expressions of Bordeaux-inspired white wine.
VineyardThe Mount Mary vineyard sits on north-facing slopes in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Its gravelly, well-drained soils and moderate altitude create ideal conditions for slow, even ripening. The Triolet blend traditionally incorporates Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle, varieties carefully planted and managed to express texture, aromatics, and structural definition. Low yields, hand harvesting, and precise canopy management allow each component of the blend to achieve pristine flavour and natural acidity.
VintageThe 2017 vintage in the Yarra Valley was marked by a cooler growing season, gentle ripening, and an extended harvest window. These conditions favoured white varieties, enabling Mount Mary to craft a Triolet of exceptional poise and freshness. Moderate temperatures and long hang time preserved aromatics and acidity, resulting in a wine of beautifully integrated flavours and outstanding balance.
WinemakingThe winemaking is deliberately subtle, focusing on purity rather than overt winemaking artefact. Each variety is harvested and fermented separately before blending. Gentle pressing, cool fermentations, and maturation in a combination of stainless steel and seasoned French oak give the wine texture and depth without diminishing its brightness. Lees contact adds complexity while preserving the wine’s delicate aromatics and fine structure.
Tasting NotesThe 2017 Mount Mary Triolet opens with layered aromas of citrus blossom, white peach, lemon curd, grassy freshness, and subtle florals from Muscadelle. Nuances of lanolin, hay, and wet stone add depth. The palate is refined and beautifully balanced, offering vibrant acidity, gentle phenolic texture, and flavours of lime, stone fruit, almond, and fresh herbs. The finish is long, clean, and mineral-driven, showcasing the wine’s precision and age-worthy structure. This is a sophisticated, quietly complex rendition of Triolet with many years of evolution ahead.
Critics’ AcclaimThe 2017 vintage has been praised for purity, tension, and its classical Mount Mary restraint. Critics highlight its fine texture, aromatic lift, and the seamless integration of its three varietal components.
Technical InformationRegion: Yarra Valley, VictoriaBlend: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, MuscadelleAlcohol: ~12.5%Style: Dry, elegant, textural white blendDrinking Window: 2020–2032+
A Collectible GemThe 2017 Mount Mary Triolet is a beautifully refined white blend, offering purity, texture, and understated complexity. As one of Australia’s most distinctive white wines, it is a superb addition to any serious cellar, with the ability to age gracefully and develop further layers of character.