2001 Quintet Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark red. Claret-like aromas of currant, plum, mocha and tobacco, complicated by a subtle mintiness. Sweet, complex and sophisticated, with lively, sharply delineated, youthfully backward currant, mineral and herbal flavors. At once quite suave and impressively concentrated. Finishes with dusty tannins and terrific but very subtle length. Quite young and built to age. Old Bridge Cellars, Napa CA

The proprietor of Mount Mary has never wanted me to taste his wines, which are revered by segments of the Australian press, but with some stealth work, I was able to secure a few vintages. In addition to the 2001 Quintet, I was able to taste the 1998, 1997, 1995, and 1994. For my taste, only the 2001 merited a score higher than 80 points. The attempt appears to be to emulate a Bordeaux petit chateau, but none were as fine, being lean, high in acid, austere, and meagerly endowed. They will not improve with age. The 2001 has slightly more to it than the older vintages. It is difficult to understand what merit these wines possess. Wine Advocate.October, 2005