The 2021 Quintet has earned exceptional scores of 98 points from both James Halliday and Ned Goodwin, plus 97 points from Wine Front, reflecting its remarkable complexity and craftsmanship. This Cabernet blend showcases the intensity that Mount Mary is renowned for, combined with nuanced layers that reveal leather, herbal lift, earth, game, and sweet smoke. The wine represents decades of winemaking expertise in the Yarra Valley, where the cool climate allows for extended ripening and the development of these intricate flavour profiles.

Given the wine's extraordinary depth, consider decanting it for at least an hour before serving to allow the full-bodied structure to open up. The tasting notes suggest cedar, liquorice, and plum as primary flavours, but there's much more to discover beneath the surface. Take your time with each sip, as the wine reveals different characteristics - from the initial fruit intensity to the emerging tertiary notes of leather and earth that develop with aeration.

The full-bodied nature and complex flavour profile make this wine ideal for rich, savoury dishes that can match its intensity. Consider pairing it with slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, aged beef steaks, or game meats like venison, which will complement the wine's earthy and herbal characteristics. The cedar and liquorice notes also work beautifully with dishes featuring aromatic herbs and spices, while the wine's structure can handle rich, umami-driven sauces.

While this wine is already showing remarkable complexity and can certainly be enjoyed now, Mount Mary's Quintet is built for long-term cellaring. The 2021 vintage has the structure and intensity to develop even more nuanced characteristics over the next 10-15 years, with the promise of achieving something 'otherworldly' as described. If you're patient, the wine will reward you with additional layers of leather, earth, and game notes that emerge with proper bottle age.

The Yarra Valley's cool climate and diverse soil types create perfect conditions for producing elegant yet intense Cabernet blends like Mount Mary's Quintet. The region's temperature variations allow for extended ripening periods, which develop the complex flavour compounds evident in this wine's cedar, liquorice, and plum characteristics. Mount Mary has been perfecting their craft in this region for decades, understanding exactly how to harness the terroir to create wines with both power and finesse.