Timo Mayer The Doktor 2024

Timo Mayer is a German winemaker who settled in the Yarra Valley and farms a steep site he calls Bloody Hill for its gradient. His vines grow on deep red volcanic soils at altitudes between 200 and 470 metres, where the cool climate and height slow ripening and preserve acidity and aromatic detail. The Doktor is his Pinot Noir made in a light, fragrant style, organically farmed and fermented with a high proportion of whole bunches. Whole-bunch fermentation includes the stems, which adds a savoury, peppery, slightly stemmy lift and reinforces the wine's freshness and fine tannin. It is raised eleven months in foudre, the large old oak cask imparting almost no wood flavour while allowing gentle oxygen exchange that softens the texture and keeps the fruit clear. The wine is pale to medium ruby, with red cherry, raspberry and crushed flowers, a herbal, peppery edge and a stony, earthy undertone. The palate is light bodied and fresh, the tannins fine, the finish clean and savoury. Serve lightly chilled at around 14 degrees in a Burgundy glass with roast duck, chicken or mushrooms.