The words “charismatic”, “legend”, and “Pinot Noir” seem to be synonymous with the name Timo Mayer. Timo was born into a pedigreed family, with more than 400 years of winemaking history behind them in Germany. But it’s in Yarra Valley, Victoria, where he has found his home and stardom. His 2.5ha vineyard, aptly named the Bloody Hill for its steep aspect, is close-planted and primarily planted to Pinot Noir, with a splash of Chardonnay and Shiraz. He makes 3 distinct Pinot Noir from the site. The Bloody Hill and Granite are both destemmed, while the Close-Planted has a combination of whole bunch and destemmed fruit. In the winery he typically uses hogsheads and puncheons, limiting the affecting of oak. His wines are all about elegance, depth, and downright deliciousness.