2024 Timo Mayer Volcanic Pinot Noir, Upper Yarra Valley

The fruit was sourced from Lusatia Park and made with around 25% whole bunches. A light, bright garnet. A subtle wine with aromas of cherries, redcurrants, pomegranate and delicate rose petal and spice. The palate is similarly light and graceful with very fine, persistent tannins on the nicely long, blood-orange-infused finish. To be enjoyed now and over the short- to medium-term.

93 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

The 2024 Timo Mayer Volcanic Pinot Noir is pure Upper Yarra attitude bottled by one of the region’s most charismatic and unconventional winemakers. Timo Mayer’s vineyard clings to the steep slopes of the Bloody Hill site in Gladysdale, where red volcanic soils and fog-laced mornings shape Pinot Noir of lift, finesse and edge. The Volcanic label zeroes in on fruit from this particular corner of the Yarra that’s rich in ironstone and decomposed basalt, lending a distinct earthy energy to the wine.

As always with Timo, the approach in the winery is hands-off but deeply intuitive. The 2024 saw 100% whole bunch fermentation, native yeasts, no fining or filtration, and just a whisper of sulphur. It’s wild yet precise, starting with aromas of sour cherry, blood plum and cranberry, layered with smoky spice, rosemary stem, flint and dried rose petals. The palate is light on its feet but intense, coiled with spice and crushed rock minerality, finishing with trademark Timo chew and length.

This is a Pinot for those who love texture, savoury complexity and a sense of place. It won’t suit lovers of plush and polished styles—it’s raw, alive and utterly compelling. Serve with crispy duck pancakes, mushroom ragu or charred miso eggplant. While it sings now with a short decant, the Volcanic will evolve over 5 to 7 years, building in umami and forest floor detail with age.