2021 Mount Mary Vineyard Triolet

The 2021 Mount Mary Vineyard Triolet is one of Australia's most refined white blends and demonstrates why Mount Mary enjoys such worldwide prestige. Inspired by the great dry white wines of Bordeaux, Triolet combines Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle into a wine of exceptional tension, complexity, and impressive aging potential. The exceptional 2021 vintage was received with great international acclaim. Wine Advocate awarded 96 points , with Erin Larkin particularly highlighting the phenomenal structure, refined aromatic complexity, and great aging potential. James Halliday's Wine Companion awarded the wine an even higher 98 points , calling Triolet one of the finest white wines of the New World, which continues to develop with bottle aging.

Mount Mary Vineyard

Mount Mary Vineyard was founded in 1971 by John and Marli Middleton and has since become one of Australia's absolute elite. From the very beginning, one goal was central: to produce elegant, terroir-driven wines that could rival the great classics of Burgundy and Bordeaux. The second generation of Middletons now leads the family estate, where the same philosophy of finesse, balance, and long aging still forms the foundation.

The estate is situated in the cool Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne. Thanks to the temperate climate, long growing seasons, and sustainable approach in the vineyards, the grapes develop exceptional aromatic precision and natural freshness. Mount Mary works with great attention to biodiversity and healthy soils, ensuring that every wine is a pure expression of the terroir.

For more information about Mount Mary Vineyard, please refer to the Winery tab.

A classic white Bordeaux blend

Triolet is composed of 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Sémillon, and 10% Muscadelle , the same grape varieties with which the original vineyard was planted. The wine is clearly inspired by the great dry white Bordeaux blends, but at the same time possesses a character entirely of its own thanks to the cool climate of the Yarra Valley.

Sauvignon Blanc provides tension, freshness, and aromatic precision, Sémillon adds structure and aging potential, while Muscadelle provides subtle floral nuances and extra complexity.

Vinification

Each grape variety is vinified separately. During fermentation, a relatively high proportion of fine lees remains, which is stirred only when the wine calls for it and not according to a fixed schedule. This creates extra texture without loss of freshness.

No new oak is deliberately used. The Sauvignon Blanc ages for eleven months in used puncheons, while the Sémillon and Muscadelle age separately in older French barriques. Only just before bottling are the three grape varieties combined into the final blend. This method ensures maximum precision and the preservation of the pure fruit.

Scent, taste and character

The 2021 opens with an exceptionally refined aromatic profile of white flowers, citrus, quince, guava, and gooseberry, followed by chalk, fresh herbs, a subtle touch of curry leaves, coriander, and a hint of jalapeño. Everything remains extremely elegant and restrained, with the minerality becoming increasingly prominent as the wine opens up.

On the palate, Triolet immediately distinguishes itself through its impressive structure. The wine is taut, mineral, and powerful without ever becoming heavy. The fine phenolic structure lends the wine an almost Burgundian tension and ensures that the fruit slowly unfolds across the palate. Citrus, quince, lime, lanolin, and subtle spiciness are supported by lively acidity and beautiful precision.

Erin Larkin of Wine Advocate (96 points) calls precisely this refined phenolic structure one of the wine's greatest qualities and emphasizes how beautifully Triolet develops with bottle aging. According to her, the cool 2021 vintage shows an exceptional balance between freshness, tension, and aromatic depth.

James Halliday's Wine Companion (98 points) is also particularly complimentary, describing Triolet as a wine of great subtlety and understated class. According to the reviewer, the combination of lanolin, citrus, quince, nettle, and a subtle influence of wood creates an emotional wine experience that only fully reveals itself after several years of bottle aging.

The finish is exceptionally long, mineral, and refined. The wine continues to evolve for minutes and displays an impressive combination of tension, elegance, and precision.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

Preferably serve the wine at 10 to 12°C.

Perfect with lobster, langoustines, scallops, turbot, sea bass, sushi, ceviche, asparagus, poultry with creamy sauces, herb risotto, and refined goat or sheep cheeses.