“It has the right mix of dried herbs, cherry fruit and spice, yet stays in savoury territory. The appealing palate is more medium-bodied with lithe, grainy tannins and fresh acidity keeping everything tight. 
93 Points”

“Rich, meaty and textural; briary dark plums, blackberries, raisins and cassis with firm, gravelly tannins. Spicy and earthy, with undertones of roasting tray juices.
92 Points ”

“Light salmon colour; a wave of complexity crashes through the mouth, with a wash of spices first up, then a bowl of cherries of every imaginable type and style. Outstanding food style. Rating 95 Points. ”

“Curious to see a Rosé released with almost three years age, but that’s the intent and the wine doesn’t disappoint. It smells of cherry pips, dusty spice cupboard, rose water. In the palate, juiciness but a dry finish, medium weight for rose with a lick of cranberry-pomegranate tartness to close. It’s well done. 92 Points”

“It seems a hundred light years since Mario Marson was the winemaker at Mount Mary. These days he reveals his Italian heritage with subtle, age-worthy wines. Nebbiolo is the flagship, an epic in the making, speaking softly at the moment in pretty florals, cherry and raspberry fruits and a little rose-influenced potpourri. So young and fresh but looks can be deceiving. It’s almost criminal to drink now. Go for it.”

“The colour of this noble grape – with its heart in Italy’s northwest and diaspora stretching to several Australian outposts – can be most deceptive: russet tones in its deep reds rather than the more concentrated purples of better known varieties. In reflection it’s a delightful autumnal wine, here with smoky bacon notes, and woody forest eucalypt whiffs as an aromatic intrigue in its savour palate. 4/5 Stars”

“Medium to full red colour with a trace of purple and also of brick-red. The bouquet shows some positive development, with some meaty, fresh-turned earth and dry-leather aromas, very savoury and very attractive. It’s clean and complex. The palate is medium-bodied and has a touch of leanness, but also proper fruit sweetness in the middle, with pepper, spice and savoury earthy flavours, which are very appealing. Some developed vegetal nuances, too. The tannins are fine and soft albeit drying, and the persistence is satisfyingly long. Very good balance. 91 Points”

“Laced with dark flowers and lifted by spicy viognier-driven aromas, it’s scented with sweet red and black berries and fine-grained oak backed by nuances of charcuterie meats and dried herbs. Smooth and silky, it’s gentle and reserved, but its fiery core of dark berry and plum-like fruit builds power and intensity along the palate. Tightly wound around a spine of powdery, dry tannins, it’s long, layered and finely balanced, finishing with briary and savoury complexity. 94 Points”

“Light to medium salmon-pink hue; the aroma showing some lemon and straw aromas, a bit like a white wine. It’s floral, a little riesling-like. The palate is peppery and intense, with a lot of bite. A most unusual rosé in aroma and flavour, but its very intense, concentrated palate of terrific length is hard to ignore. Impressive stuff. 92 Points”

“Heathcote adds some power and richness to Sangiovese. This has mid-red colour and an earthy edge to the nose, some old oak wood and spice, cherries and clove, some bracken too. The palate’s smooth and fleshy with a tangy middle palate and smooth, flowing sheets of tannin. Chalky, firm finish; good balance. 93/100”

“Mario Marson’s pursuit of Italian grapes in Victoria’s red Heathcote dirt is starting to pay handsome dividends. This staggeringly juicy wine demonstrates authenticity towards both grape variety and region.”

“Heathcote shiraz can be very powerful but this beautifully made example, blended with a little viognier, tempers the power a little. It’s poised and complex with loganberry, gentle spice, floral and tobacco-like aromas, followed by a smooth mouthfeel that’s chocolatey-rich, mellow and complete. Soft tannins and good acidity are perfectly integrated.”

“With his 2008 Vinea Marson Syrah, Mario Marson has produced a crackerjack drop. This wine tastes wonderful. It’s rich and blackberried but spicy and (remarkably) nutty, too. You put it in your mouth and the fruit flavours feel soft and plush, but the firmness of the tannins give the wine a sense of authority. This wine isn’t all syrah - it’s almost seven per cent viognier - but while it is perfumed and soft, its dark, complex richness is the dominant impression. I loved it from the first sip – and still wanted more as I tipped the bottle upside down to eke out the last drop. As you do.”