TASTE WITH TIMO🦘

Source note: This post is adapted from Parched's September 1, 2026 newsletter

Hey,

A tasting with Timo Mayer is one of life's great pleasures. A lunch with the man himself? It doesn't get better. When a last-minute spot at the table became available, I dropped everything and began ferociously pedalling a trusty Lime across London as not to be late.  Gotta give a huge shoutout to the retired newsletter Queen Megan for the hookup; she’s still coming in clutch!

We've always stocked Timo's wines, but I feel they've gone under the radar recently, which is strange as they've never looked so good. I've tasted in consecutive years now, and every time I do, I'm blown away by the sheer quality. The wines, like the man himself, are hard to define. They are raw and wild, a bit like Timo, but at the same time have a precision and clarity to them. Must be his German roots coming through! They're not overly funky, but they've got this wild whole-bunch energy, resulting in a vibrancy and drinkability that is so appealing.

Timo is German-born and one of the great characters of the Yarra Valley. He left generations of winegrowing back home to try his hand down under. He has never looked back.  From his close-planted Yarra Valley vineyard, evocatively named 'Bloody Hill' because it’s bloody steep, Timo carves out some astounding wines made with low levels of oak and minimal additions. The signature of Timo's winemaking style is his penchant for a whole-bunch ferment. The wines are of an ethereal quality, with integrated tannin and impeccable structure. They are benchmark, and rightly sought after the world over. The words bombastic, charismatic and lively are as applicable to the man as they are to his wines.

We've got a Chardo that speaks to the Yarra’s cool nature. It's all lemon pith and sea spray, whilst being gently buttery and soft. Blind, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is top Chablis with its racy acid lines. Picked early from a short growing season to get all that nervous energy in bottle. Smoking!

A couple of Pinots, which have become his calling card. The DR is a full-on stem assault, in the best possible way. Lithe, spicy, fragrant and seductive in it’s savouriness. It's his most sought-after cuvée for good reason. One Doctor you'll actually want to see.

Close Planted is also from that 'Bloody Hill' but only 25% with stem. Here the vines are, you guessed it, close-planted! Timo's been doing this high-density work before the trend really got into a groove. The man is ahead of his time. It's more concentrated as a result, very fruit-driven, and a little softer from some time in oak. Both are a great lesson in what stems and whole bunches actually do to Pinot. A lesson that wouldn't go amiss with some new-wave burg producers either… He's the master, and the originator, of this style in the New World! 2025 was a great vintage too, warm but not overly hot. We have plenty of juicy texture in both without losing signature tension. Especially inviting young, these are both on the money now but will unfurl for as long as you can keep your hands off.

For the first time ever, his Cabernet. Yes, really. I never thought I'd be raving about any Cabernet, let alone Aussie, let alone one vinified with 100% whole bunch. Yet, this is Timo, and you simply must taste it to believe it. It's way more Franc-like than Sauvignon. Very Loire-esque, with a pleasing pencil-shaving quality, something green and herbal but not unpleasant or underripe. Full of wild juicy blackberries. As Timo says, 'Stalky shit rocks!' The alcohol is restrained, we're medium-bodied and looking so classy. My pick of the bunch. And probably about the only Cab Sav you'll see me drinking. A work of art.

Some older Syrah, again more Northern Rhône than Barossa in its build. Bacon fat, tapenade, enchanting purple florals. Again 100% whole bunch in the '22, and now with nearly four extra years in the bottle, it's absolutely purring. I didn't know Aussie Shiraz, sorry Syrah, could have such perfume and acid.

Finally, the IYKYK bottle from Mr Mayer. Merlot. Again, I didn't think I'd be anywhere near it, but Timo has done what Timo does best. Sideways has royally robbed this grape, and it's now being ripped up the world over. Shame, because it's not inherently evil. It just needs some love. Timo has given it what it needs: a semi-carbonic kiss and no new oak whatsoever. Why isn't anyone else doing this? Showcasing lovely blue fruit and subtle stalky herbaceousness. We have given it a few extra years in the bottle, so now it’s gone all mineral and plush. Silky soft and drinkable at its modest 12% too.

Sadly, this is the last we'll probably ever see of this wine in the UK with its old label. Timo, in his tongue-in-cheek fashion, has decided on a new label for current releases. One that will not be exported, as it would not please the French. In particular, Pétrus, who no doubt would be lawyering up if they ever got wind of it. Not that I’ve tasted Pétrus anyway, but I know I’d rather have this in my glass. The more you look at the label, the funnier it gets. Is that a motif of Timo smoking a cigar? The Great Vino in that iconic font? Have a gander below. Ahhh, if there was ever an endorsement of Timo's humour and character, this label sums him up perfectly. But that does mean we’ve got some of the last stock in the UK market, so get a move on.

Words do not do these wines, nor the man, justice! Very much worth a peek if you’re not familiar. Other Yarra bits that you should also acquaint yourself with are Gembrook (Timo’s former employer) and Dappled, arguably the most underrated Pinot we stock.

Ok G2G pack a million orders after the long weekend, YAY!

Bisou
Fionn
xoxo