2023 Mayer Close Planted Pinot Noir

German born Timo Mayer, along with partner Rhonda Ferguson established Mayer in 1999, on the slopes of Mt Toolebewong, between Healesville & Woori Yallock. They produce a small range of hand crafted, single vineyard wines, believing that wines are made in the vineyard and not the winery. All wines are unfined and unfiltered to show the true expression of the vineyard. Vines are often close-planted, and winemaking frequently utilises a generous use of whole bunch.
When Timo cheered "bring back the funk!", it was this wine that originally delivered on the promise. He's since released the Dr expression which dials up this ethos even further, but his Close Planted Pinot still holds a special place in many Pinot lover's hearts. Wonderfully aromatic and silky, the power of the Pinot fruit can be deceptive here, but there's no mistaking this is one of the Yarra Valley's finest wines each year.

Other Reviews....
An average crop but one of the latest crops, hanging out there to May. This is 20% whole bunch here.
Quite a crisp, bright pinot noir, textural with a haze of silty tannin, succulence through the long finish, lots of spice. Reeks of red cherry, tastes similar, a touch of old spice cupboard and warm slate mineral character, anise in there too. Complex. Layered. Quite light and fine, understated. A more square Timo wine than usual, but in that, appreciated for its elegance. Drink: 2024-2034.
94 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front