I am becoming increasingly fascinated by the diversity of styles that are emanating from Australia. I am encouraged by growers who have harnessed the characters of specific vineyards, explored different altitudes and winemaking approaches as they are gradually influencing the perception of Australian wine. One such winemaker would be Timo Mayer and I am pleased to offer his 2014 Close Planted Pinot Noir at £400/12 In Bond.
I first heard about Timo Mayer via our buyer, Vicki, who visited Timo at his Yarra Valley vineyard a few years ago. More recently, I read with interest several reviews highlighting the quality of his Pinot Noir and subsequently we found the opportunity to taste and validate the quality for ourselves.
The Yarra Valley is situated just north east of Melborne and – although it is one of the oldest wine-making regions in Victoria – it seems to be assuming greater prominence as one of the cooler climate areas of Australia. With elevations anywhere from 50-400 metres and noticeable maritime influences, the Yarra Valley is well suited to Pinot Noir cultivation.
Timo and his partner, Rhonda Ferguson, have just 2.5 hectares of vines, the majority of which are devoted to high density plantings of Pinot Noir (and some Chardonnay and Shiraz). He stands by his philosophy of ‘minimal intervention’ in the winemaking process, choosing to produce unfined and unfiltered examples with the aim of expressing of the site as clearly as possible. Everything is about showing Pinot Noir in its most natural state, as we saw for ourselves in our tasting last week. We were incredibly impressed by the precision of the Close Planted Pinot Noir, with its subtle, earthiness coupled to vibrant bright red fruits and discreet spice. There is a sophistication and marked persistence to Timo's wines that stands out from the norm.
I include below the note by Josh Reynolds of Vinous Media. I was particularly interested in his comment ‘a lot like a serious Chambolle-Musigny’…I agree that there is certainly an uncommon delicacy and a floral component to the wine but I look forward to seeing how it develops with time in bottle. There is plenty of promise though it isn't necessary to age long term given it's completeness in its current youthful state.
2014 Timo Mayer Close Planted Pinot Noir
Josh Reynolds – 93 Points
£400/12 In Bond
Lurid violet color. Vibrant, high-pitched red berry, potpourri and Asian spice aromas pick up smoky mineral, cola and rhubarb nuances with aeration. Sweet, seamless and penetrating on the palate, with intense raspberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors putting on weight as the wine opens in the glass. This smells and tastes a lot like a serious Chambolle-Musigny. The red fruit and floral notes repeat strongly on the very long, sweet, gently tannic finish.
Please let me know at your earliest convenience of your interest.
I look forward to hearing from you.