Timo Mayer Yarra Valley Pinot Syrah 2025

Timo Mayer is one of the cult figures of the Yarra Valley, known for his uncompromising, minimal-intervention approach and signature use of whole-bunch fermentation. Working from his steep, high-altitude Bloody Hill vineyard, Mayer crafts wines that are vivid, energetic and deeply expressive of site. Originally from Germany, his philosophy—“bring the vineyard to the bottle”—results in small-batch wines that are pure, textural and unmistakably individual.

The wine is a 75/25 split, combining Pinot from his home farm with Syrah sourced out of Gembrook. Timo went with a 50/50 mix of whole-bunch and destemmed fruit, resulting in a dark, highly perfumed wine where the Syrah really drives the nose.

On the palate, the fruit is pretty and a little candied right now, a little plusher than the Pinots but still light on its feet. It gives off a faint northern Italian vibe, finishing with a nice hit of spice and violet. Do yourself a favour and serve this with a slight chill.