Yarra Valley Rebel — Mayer Gamay 2021

Tasting Notes

In the glass: bright cherry-red colour, medium body with energy.
On the nose: juicy strawberry, ripe cherry, a hint of crushed raspberries, with savoury undertones of wild herbs, game meat notes and subtle whole-bunch stem spice (thanks to carbonic or partial whole-bunch fermentation). 
On the palate: exhibits crunchy red-fruit (ripe cherry, raspberry), vibrant acid, fine grip, savoury lift from stems/minerality and a finish that is dry, persistent and lively. One tasting note: “Dry, medium bodied, acidic, medium tannin, medium finish” from retail description. 
This is Gamay that doesn’t chill in the back-row: it steps forward.

Meet the Winemaker

Mayer Wines, located in the Yarra Valley, Australia, is helmed by winemaker Timo Mayer (German-born, Yarra-based visionary). He’s planted old-vine Gamay near Dixon’s Creek / Roundstone Vineyard and uses both whole-bunch and traditional ferment methods to bring out vitality, site, and tension.
This Gamay isn’t your brunch red—it’s terroir-winning, hand-crafted, and full of character.

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Gamay. 

• Vintage: 2021

• Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia.

• Vinification/Aging: Hand-picked fruit, whole-bunch/partially whole-bunch carbonic maceration, matured in old puncheons/hogsheads (per brand note). 

• ABV: ~13.0% (retail listing shows 13.0%).

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 14-16 °C — chill slightly to highlight the red-fruit brightness.

Critic Reviews

• Retailer review: “Gamay can be a simple affair, but this one is wild; crunchy whole-bunchiness, but still plush and juicy… 91 pts – Mike Bennie (The Wine Front).” 

• Vintage overview: “An exceptional wine that has more in common with a structured Cru Beaujolais than a fruit-forward, new-world style of Gamay.”

• Community tasting: “Medium (+) taste of red cherry, strawberry, ripe raspberry and green herbs. Long and dry finish.” 

Food Pairings

• Seared duck breast with cherry-raspberry reduction — match the fruit and tension.

• Lightly spiced pork tenderloin with rosemary & berry glaze — finesse meets flavour.

• Wild mushroom risotto with thyme — earthy, subtle, interesting.

• A cheese plate with Comté, aged Gouda, dried cherries & walnuts — textural alignment.

• Charcuterie board with salami, prosciutto, marinated olives & red cherries — casual but elevated.

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you’re done with “nice enough” reds. You want something that stands out without being ridiculous. This Gamay from Mayer is the kind of bottle you pull when you want someone to say, “Nice pickup” — not just accept it. It’s got vitality, site, winemaker cred and value.
Bring it out when you want to show up—not just show off.

Add Mayer Gamay 2021 to your cart — club members get 10% off +other perks.
Secure the bottle. Raise the game.