Our Mary Kathleen is generally sourced from the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in 1986 that sits just to the side of the cellar door.
"After grenache, it is McLaren Vale cabernet that I enjoy the most of the Vale's reds. The iodine brininess that adds an additional element to the savoriness and gritty feel of the tannins is a winning regional stamp. The sage, bay leaves, black olives and lilt of garden herbs confer lift. There is ample power, yet good cabernet here is faithful to the variety with just a little more roundness. The case for drinking even more of it is a strong one. An excellent example. Drinkable now, but best from 2028. 96 points"
Ned Goodwin MW, JamesSuckling.com
"From 35-year-old vines, 18 months in French oak (20% new). This is a relatively sumptuous rendition of cabernet, a wine with cascading mulberry, blackcurrant and plum fruit notes, but also one with bell-clear leafy and fragrant varietal definition. Cigar box notes, cassia, cedar, cracked pepper and black tea complex further. Eminently approachable, this also has the drive, verve and stuffing for a long life. 95 points"
Marcus Ellis, James Halliday's Wine Companion
"Deep ruby colour. Ripe plum, tomato leaf and mocha aromas. A full bodied style, richly weighted purple and black fruits fill the core while tangential lines of dark spice and mocha add character. Great length, tannins finely poised to dry the finish well. Cellar time will be rewarded too. 92 points"
Stuart Knox, The Real Review
Critic Reviews
96 POINTS
Ned Goodwin - JamesSuckling.com
After grenache, it is McLaren Vale cabernet that I enjoy the most of the Vale's reds. The iodine brininess that adds an additional element to the savoriness and gritty feel of the tannins is a winning regional stamp. The sage, bay leaves, black olives and lilt of garden herbs confer lift. There is ample power, yet good cabernet here is faithful to the variety with just a little more roundness. The case for drinking even more of it is a strong one. An excellent example. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.
95 POINTS
Marcus Ellis - Halliday Wine Companion
From 35-year-old vines, 18 months in French oak (20% new). This is a relatively sumptuous rendition of cabernet, a wine with cascading mulberry, blackcurrant and plum fruit notes, but also one with bell-clear leafy and fragrant varietal definition. Cigar box notes, cassia, cedar, cracked pepper and black tea complex further. Eminently approachable, this also has the drive, verve and stuffing for a long life.
95 POINTS
Angus Hughson - Vinous
Superb purity and refinement are immediately on display in this 2021 Mary Kathleen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Waves of bright blackcurrant and bay leaf aromas are vibrant and energetic, with a fine line of cedary oak in support. This is medium-bodied and a little reserved, although it has delicious delicacy and fruit detail wrapped in generous al-dente tannins and a seriously long, gravelly, slate-flavored finish. It's a sleeper and far from ready.
92 POINTS
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front
Sometimes, a so-called great vintage delivers wines that are a little too much.
Plum, blackcurrant, mint and camphor, Earl Grey tea, black olive and tobacco. It’s medium to full-bodied, something of plum pudding richness, lots of spice, perhaps a little too ripe, but the tannin is rich and silty and the finish is bold and grainy, showing some warmth with cedar and black olive and good length.
Shipping & Returns
Marketplace Product:
Dispatch in 5 to 7 business days from our Sydney warehouse.
Vintages for Marketplace items are subject to change, and we cannot guarantee the specific vintage you ordered will be delivered. Generally, the latest available vintage will be delivered to you.
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Tasting Notes
Our Mary Kathleen is generally sourced from the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in 1986 that sits just to the side of the cellar door.
"After grenache, it is McLaren Vale cabernet that I enjoy the most of the Vale's reds. The iodine brininess that adds an additional element to the savoriness and gritty feel of the tannins is a winning regional stamp. The sage, bay leaves, black olives and lilt of garden herbs confer lift. There is ample power, yet good cabernet here is faithful to the variety with just a little more roundness. The case for drinking even more of it is a strong one. An excellent example. Drinkable now, but best from 2028. 96 points"
Ned Goodwin MW, JamesSuckling.com
"From 35-year-old vines, 18 months in French oak (20% new). This is a relatively sumptuous rendition of cabernet, a wine with cascading mulberry, blackcurrant and plum fruit notes, but also one with bell-clear leafy and fragrant varietal definition. Cigar box notes, cassia, cedar, cracked pepper and black tea complex further. Eminently approachable, this also has the drive, verve and stuffing for a long life. 95 points"
Marcus Ellis, James Halliday's Wine Companion
"Deep ruby colour. Ripe plum, tomato leaf and mocha aromas. A full bodied style, richly weighted purple and black fruits fill the core while tangential lines of dark spice and mocha add character. Great length, tannins finely poised to dry the finish well. Cellar time will be rewarded too. 92 points"
Stuart Knox, The Real Review
