Yarra Valley Red with Edge — Mayer Tempranillo 2021

Tasting Notes

In the glass: bright ruby-red with a hint of purple-glint—there’s life in this bottle.
On the nose: ripe cherry and plum, red-currant brightness, a swirl of olive tapenade, savory herbs, and whole-bunch spice (thanks to some stem-inclusion) giving a rustic edge. 
On the palate: medium body, juicy red fruit up front, a savory twist: black olive, dark herbs, fine grain tannins. The finish is dry and persistent with a savoury aftertaste that lingers. One retailer describes it as “dry, medium-bodied, acidic, medium tannin, finish medium-plus.” 
This is Tempranillo with character—not a cliché.

Meet the Winemaker

Mayer Wines, driven by Timo Mayer in the Yarra Valley (Victoria, Australia), is the kind of boutique label that plays with grape variety and technique. Their Tempranillo 2021 comes from the Gembrook Hills or similar hillside vineyard blocks, treated to whole-bunch fermentation and vineyard-driven viticulture. 
If you thought Tempranillo was only for Rioja or Ribera, this bottle shouts “think again”.

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo. 

• Vintage: 2021

• Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia. 

• Vinification/Aging: Whole-bunch or partial whole-bunch fermentation, old-vine or well-exposed vineyard site from Gembrook Hills; savoury/herbaceous character asserts itself. 

• ABV: 14.0% by one retailer. 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 15-17 °C — give it time to open.

Critic Reviews

• Retail comment: “Using fruit from the Gembrook Vineyard and putting them through his signature whole bunch fermentation… generous redcurrant and kola nut lead into savoury black olive, whole bunch spice and varietal grainy tannins.” 

• Availability listings: priced around ~$39-$80 depending on market. 

• No major 90+ point score located from mainstream critics in our scan — but the descriptive notes give serious cred.

Food Pairings

• Slow-roasted pork shoulder with rosemary, red cherry glaze & crackle skin — red fruit meets savoury structure.

• Herb-crusted lamb loin with olive tapenade & grilled zucchini — vibe meets thickness.

• Wild mushroom ragù over pappardelle, shaved parmesan, thyme — rustic meets refined.

• Cheddar-Gouda board with dried cherries, walnuts & olives — flavourful, textured, clever.

• Charcuterie with prosciutto, salami, olives & pickled vegetables — ease meets edge.

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you’re done with “nice enough wine” and want something that stands out. This Tempranillo isn’t playing safe. It’s niche, it’s bold, it’s vineyard-specific, and it’ll have people asking “What is that?” when you bring it.
Grab this bottle when you want to look like you know your wine—and the wine backs it up.

Add Mayer Tempranillo 2021 to your cart — club members get 10% off + other perks.
Pick it up before it’s gone — this one’s got flavour, story and edge.