Overview

The 2023 Mayer Merlot is a distinctive Yarra Valley red from Mayer, crafted from fruit grown on the north-facing Orth Vineyard in Coldstream. Far from a conventional Merlot, this release is shaped by 100% whole bunch fermentation, giving the wine lift, savoury detail and firm structural drive.

It is a perfumed, expressive and textural cool-climate Merlot, combining ripe plum and dark berry fruit with incense-like whole-bunch aromatics, fine tannins and excellent length.

Vintage & Winemaking

Sourced from a north-facing slope in the Orth Vineyard, this wine was made with 100% whole bunches and matured in seasoned hogsheads. The whole-bunch approach brings aromatic complexity, savoury tension and a fine-boned structure to the naturally plush Merlot fruit.

Product Highlights

• Yarra Valley Merlot from Mayer.
• Fruit sourced from the Orth Vineyard in Coldstream.
• 100% whole bunch fermentation.
• 95 points from Halliday Wine Companion.
• 93 points from James Suckling.
• Vegan suitable.
• Natural / lo-fi wine style.

Critic Scores & Reviews

• 95 points - Halliday Wine Companion: "The combination of ripe, plush fruit and whole bunches works well here..."
• 93 points - James Suckling: "Vibrant and perfumed aromas of blueberries, blackberries, potpourri, wet bark and dried herbs."

Tasting Notes

A deepish crimson-purple colour with aromas of damson plum, dark berries, wet bark, dried herbs, lavender and incense. The palate is medium-bodied and generous, with mulberry bush, graphite, forest floor, cured meat and firm savoury tannins carrying the wine to a long finish.

Food Pairing

Pair with moussaka, tagine of Bresse pigeon, corn-fed bone-in sirloin, pizza Margherita, beef or venison.

Cellaring Potential

Drink from 2024 to 2030.

About Mayer

Mayer is a small Yarra Valley producer led by Timo Mayer, known for expressive, minimal-intervention wines with strong vineyard character. The wines often favour whole-bunch fermentation and savoury detail, creating distinctive cool-climate expressions from the Yarra Valley.

Specifications

• Producer: Mayer
• Wine: Merlot
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
• Country: Australia
• Grape Variety: Merlot
• Alcohol: 13%
• Wine Style: Red Wine - Rich and Intense
• Vineyard: Orth Vineyard, Coldstream
• Winemaking: 100% whole bunch fermentation
• Bottle Size: 750ml