2025 Timo Mayer Cabernet Sauvignon

Timo Mayer's Cabernet is never going to be your standard, heavy-handed claret.

Sourced from Saint Huberts Road in the Yarra Valley, he completely flips the script on the variety. Instead of relying on heavy oak, Timo uses 100% whole-bunch fermentation to build the wine's framework. The structure here comes entirely from the skins, stems, and seeds, making for a much fresher, more energetic drink.

The 2025 release carries a bit of extra flesh and a plush, velvety texture. It leads with classic Mayer Cab aromatics - cassis, a hit of blue fruit, and a distinctly leafy freshness, backed by crushed herbs and subtle tobacco.

On the palate, it is highly concentrated but kept perfectly precise by superfine tannins and a driving, graphite-like mineral line. It has the bones to age, but it's dangerously drinkable right now.

95 points
"The opposite of the lighter, more herbal '24, this has aromas of ripe cassis and blueberry together with a little cedar. "
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)