Awards, Ratings & Reviews
93/100 — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front · 2025 Vintage
“This got a quarter whole bunch in the ferment, due to the warmer year. “A wine for the suits”, says Timo, “they want a bit of everything”. Soft and loose knit, a juiciness, a plushness, dark fruited, blue fruited, rosemary and sage leaf, white pepper, some charcuterie notes, a bit of choc-liquorice too. A spread in the palate, an easy access and appeal. Feels mass appeal in its style, but done well.”
About This Wine
Timo Mayer's Close Planted Pinot Noir comes from his tightly spaced estate vineyard just south of Healesville. The vines are planted at high density, forcing competition between plants which naturally reduces yields while building concentration and structure in the fruit.
This is the only Pinot Noir in Mayer’s lineup that sees a touch of new oak, adding depth while maintaining clarity and balance.
In the warmer 2025 vintage, the fermentation included around 25% whole bunch. The result is a wine that maintains freshness and elegance while showing the warmth and generosity of the season.
Tasting Notes
Dark cherry, raspberry and a gentle forest-floor lift lead the aromatics. The palate is plush and generous with sweet-edged raspberry fruit and real drive. The finish is long with a slightly firm structure.
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. 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 distinctive note of funk found in many Mayer wines has become characteristic of the brand.
Specifications
- Vintage: 2025
- Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
- Region: Yarra Valley / Victoria / Australia
- Alcohol: 13%
- Closure: DIAM Cork
