Yarra Valley, Australia

We were delighted by this light-on-its feet, utterly delicious pinot noir that promises to steal the show at any dinner party. Originally from Germany, Timo Mayer is a buzzy grower in the Yarra Valley, a cooler climate, quality focussed Australian region known for its elegant Pinot and Chardonnary, on display here. ‘Bloody Hill’, is a 2.3 hectare organic slope that is, well, bloody steep with altitudes between 300 and 470 meters. Soil is red rocky and volanic, which gives these tiny productiojn wines their distinct flavour. Handpicked, destremmed and fermented on the skins for 3 weeks pulling complexity. Ageing was done in large French oak, a third new, to give a polished texture before being bottled unfined and unfiltered to capture this special place. Bursting with freshness and so many pretty red fruits, and fresh spice: think hibiscus, rose hip and freshly cracked black pepper with a light, but fine tannin structure that dazzles. Low intervention wine at its most polished.