A reader alerted me to this particular wine, mentioning that it was the best 2011 Yarra Valley Pinot he’d tasted. I reckon he’s onto something. Winemaker Andrew Marks (who has made a shit hot 2012 Shiraz/Syrah which I’ll write about soon) was kind enough to send me a bottle after I caught up with him in the Yarra last month. The wine is sourced from the Yellingbo vineyard at the southern end of the Valley. 10% whole bunches, 30% new French oak.
It’s light-bodied but puts on some flesh in the glass. What it doesn’t lack is intensity or flavour. It packs a punch with strawberries and cranberries, spiced orange rind and sweet citrus, driving through the finish with the utmost confidence. Acidity is animated yet fully integrated and there’s a slip of fine tannin at the end. I’m not advocating this as a good example of light and shade or as a wine for those who value vintage variation. I’m advocating it as a ripping wine full stop. Thanks for the tip Simon1980. 94
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Diam
Price: $55
Tasted: September 2013
Love the review – many thanks for referencing me! I’m glad you liked the wine, and you describe it far better than I ever could. The Mayer/Marks/Gembrook triangle is a pretty exciting place for Pinot at the moment…we are pretty lucky!
simon1980
Simon – the thanks all belong to you. I tasted the 2012 The Wanderer Shiraz at the Yarra Valley Wine Program. It was a classy Shiraz bracket with Punt Road, the Oakridge 864, Mea Culpa and Mayer all providing competition, yet The Wanderer (despite a little youthful reduction) was near as good as any other wine on show. It was a strong reminder to seek Andrew out.
I’ll be taking a proper look at it, a classy Chenin Blanc and other The Wanderer wines from 2012 soon. I’ve known they’re a very good producer for a while but tasting the wines in the Yarra made it imperative that I try to cover them. Exciting gear indeed…and yes, the triumvirate means happy times for us all.
Cheers
J