Awards, Ratings & Reviews
93/100 — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front · 2025 Vintage
“First release ever. And priced for access to Mayer magic. “Cost of living crisis”, yells Timo, “a barrel of Mayer, two barrels of Doctor, one barrel of upper Yarra volcanic Syrah, four hogsheads, half is whole bunch, all delicious, and fuck Hunter”. A delicate, cherry-leading red of rose hip tea, alpine herbs, juiciness, a lick of graphite-shaped tannins. Bistro friendly, chill ready, crisp red fruited feel. Sweetness peaks through but the herb and spice mix does a good job of balance. Light weight and yet a sense of some concentration. A fine, lengthy finish. Yummo.”
About This Wine
This is a debut Pinot Noir and Syrah blend from Timo Mayer in the Yarra Valley.
The wine is a 75/25 blend, combining Pinot Noir from Mayer’s home vineyard with Syrah sourced from Gembrook in the Upper Yarra.
Fermentation uses a 50/50 mix of whole-bunch and destemmed fruit, producing a dark, perfumed wine with Syrah leading the aromatics.
Tasting Notes
A perfumed nose with Syrah leading the aromatics. The palate shows slightly candied fruit with warmth and softness, finishing with spice and violet lift.
About the Producer
Mayer winery in Australia's Yarra Valley is a small operation founded in 2000 by Timo Mayer. Originally from the German region of Württemberg, Mayer has been working in the Yarra Valley since the 1990s.
In Australia Mayer produces wines from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Gamay and Chardonnay. He has also made a Riesling and Pinot Noir in Württemberg.
Bloody Hill is one of the estate's key vineyards, so named for its steepness. The vineyard has rocky volcanic soils and lies at an altitude between 300–470 meters (980–1,540 feet). The vines mainly consist of organically farmed Pinot Noir.
Mayer's Württemberg background has helped shape his winemaking style in Australia. Württemberg is a region well known for its Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Mayer uses 100-percent whole-bunch Pinot Noir, which was unusual in the Yarra when he first began. The prominent note of funk that is found in many Mayer wines has become characteristic of the brand.
Specifications
Vintage: 2025
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir / Syrah
Region: Yarra Valley / Victoria / Australia
Fermentation: 50% whole bunch, 50% destemmed
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM Cork