2025 Timo Mayer Syrah, Yarra Valley

From the cool slopes of the Yarra Valley comes a Syrah that has become one of Australia’s true cult bottlings. Timo Mayer, the German born, minimal intervention force behind Bloody Hill, has built a devoted following through his energetic, whole bunch driven style and hands on vineyard work. His wines are tightly allocated, highly sought after and regularly sell out quickly on release. In the Yarra Valley, Syrah takes on a distinctly cool climate personality, leaning toward the northern Rhône in spice and perfume rather than sheer power, and Mayer fully embraces that savoury, high toned expression.

The colour is vivid crimson with purple flashes, immediately suggesting brightness and life. Aromas are lifted and striking, revealing red cherry, raspberry and blueberry wrapped in white pepper, cracked spice and dried herbs. Whole bunch fermentation brings an extra layer of floral lift and stemmy complexity, adding intrigue and energy.

On the palate it is medium bodied, vibrant and finely structured. Juicy red and blue fruits sit at the core, framed by silky yet persistent tannins and bright natural acidity. Savoury notes of olive tapenade, clove and subtle smoked meat weave through the mid palate, while the finish is long, peppery and mineral driven. It is Syrah with tension and personality, more about finesse and detail than density.

Pair with grilled lamb cutlets, duck with cherry glaze, charred eggplant with miso or slow braised beef with herbs. Thrilling in its youth for its perfume and energy, it will cellar confidently for ten to fifteen years, developing deeper savoury, earthy and spicy complexity while retaining its structural backbone.