2021 Timo Mayer Volcanic Syrah, Upper Yarra Valley

One of those really beautiful syrahs that could share DNA between pinot noir and nebbiolo/nerello mascalese. Tightly wound, compact feel, grippy with fine, silty, pumice-like tannins and lashed with woody spice and green herbs. Way more about savouriness than fruit character though dark cherry and black olive come about. It’s stretches luxuriously and with an authority. Serious syrah, seriously good.

95 points Mike Bennie thewinefront.com.au

A new range from Timo Mayer. The shiraz comes off the 20yo Pancake Creek vineyard in Gembrook; 100% destemmed and matured in older French 300L hogsheads. This is the first time a wine has been commercially made and released from this vineyard, and what a beauty it is. Brightly coloured, aromas of red and black fruits are complemented by pink peppercorns and Indian spices. Delicious on release – I like how the wine's structure relies as much on its crunchy acidity as it does on the silky tannins. To drink and enjoy now and over the next 6–8 years. Another well-crafted wine from Timo Mayer in 2021.

95 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

From the red volcanic soils of the Upper Yarra Valley comes a Syrah that has become one of the most talked about cool climate releases in Australia. Timo Mayer’s Volcanic Syrah is sourced from high elevation sites where ancient basalt and iron rich soils bring structure, spice and mineral tension. Mayer, the German born, minimal intervention vigneron behind Bloody Hill, is known for generous whole bunch fermentation, wild ferments and a hands on approach in both vineyard and cellar. Produced in very small quantities and tightly allocated, this wine has achieved cult status and regularly sells out quickly on release.

The colour is vivid crimson with deep purple flashes, reflecting both intensity and lift. Aromas are striking and perfumed, revealing red cherry, raspberry and blueberry layered with cracked white pepper, violets and dried herbs. Whole bunch inclusion adds floral lift and savoury spice, while the volcanic soils contribute a subtle smoky mineral edge.

On the palate it is medium bodied yet firmly structured, driven by bright natural acidity and fine, persistent tannins. Red and blue fruits sit at the core, framed by olive tapenade, spice and a mineral backbone that carries through the wine. There is both power and finesse, with the finish long, peppery and savoury, echoing its Upper Yarra Valley origins.

Pair with grilled lamb, duck with cherry and pepper glaze, slow braised beef or charred eggplant with herbs. Thrilling in its youth for its energy and aromatic lift, it will cellar confidently for ten to fifteen years, developing deeper savoury complexity and silky integration over time.