Description

One of the great wineries in Australia. Established by Dr John Middleton in 1972. Dr Middleton built a reputation based on quality and age worthy wines that were often the best in the Country each year. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Triolet (featuring the three Bordeaux white grapes) and especially Quintet (The five main red grapes of Bordeaux) all stand out especially with age. The wines however mirrored Dr Middleton that at first they might not ‘wow’ you, but once you get to know them you see the true quality.

Red fruits, spice and rose petals, this is always closed at first and needs some time to open up. The palate is light with good acid and tannin balance and a perfume that lingers. Lots of air or lots of time; I had the 1982 on my 21st and it was still wonderful.

Yarra Valley

A region that is just too big to generalise about. The difference between Upper and Lower Yarra can be the ability to ripen some grapes or not. Great wines are made in the Yarra but it is best to know the producers.

Pinot Noir

This is the most elusive grape. It is relatively early ripening and extremely sensitive to terroir. Its perfect place on earth is the Cote d’Or in Burgundy. So haunting are great red Burgundy’s charms that growers everywhere try to emulate them. Pinot Noir is not just a one trick pony, it can make great reds, rosé, sparkling and even sweet wines, whites on occasion and I’ve tasted a decent fortified Pinot Noir too.