Timo Mayer, Merlot 2022

Place: Yarra Valley, Australia

Grape: Merlot

Vibe: Modern

The film Sideways has destroyed the 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 herbaceousness. We have given it a few extra years in the bottle, now it’s gone all mineral and fine. If you think you didn't like Merlot, just try this. You'll see the light. ABV: 12%

* 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 I'm certain 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? I've attached the 2025 label just so you can have a good laugh. If there was ever an endorsement of Timo's humour and character, this label sums him up perfectly.