Whole Hearted Winery

Mayer

Dr. Mayer Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Shay A
9.4

I’ve been on the lookout for Mayer wines here in the US and happened to find a bottle in a retail shop while out of state visiting some family. I’m shocked much makes it to the states with roughly 160 cases of this wine produced.

100% whole cluster; 13.5%ABV

My immediate thought after popping and pouring was that if Cayuse made a Pinot, it would smell like this. So much stemmy/herbal/savory aromatics with peppered rhubarb and red berries. Translucent ruby in the glass (closer to darker-style rosé’s in color). The funk continues on the palate (in a delicious way) with more stemmy and savory spice, cranberries, and black tea. The stems give this nice tannin structure while the acidity here is vibrant…keeps you going back for another sip. I followed over two days and it stayed pretty consistent.

This is 100% up my alley and a wine I’d love to acquire more of. Very curious how these age (because it seems like they would hold wonderfully).
— a day ago

Somm, Tom and 12 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Very interesting!
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Shay A I always smile at Mayer’s Label….a complete knockoff of the Rousseau Chambertin label
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

Agreed pretty cool 😎 at some point have to visit

Giant Steps

Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

My last bottle in the cellar but first Delectable note for this vintage. A good balance of quality ripe grapes with the savoury peppery tannins from use of whole bunch in the ferment. — a year ago

Aravind, Doug and 19 others liked this

Bass Phillip

The Estate Pinot Noir 2016

My first 2016 BP Estate. Powerful red fruits with a whole bunch stalky element. A typical BP Estate with that stewed fruit rhubarb type character Similar to many other BP Estate Pinots I’ve had on Delectable from other vintages. — 4 years ago

Ira, Ming and 22 others liked this

Domaine du Pegau

Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2007

My second time drinking this vintage. The first time I had a small sip and absolute love it. This time I decided to have the whole bottle. It was gorgeous. Herbal, dried fruits and elegant like grass jelly. — 4 months ago

Familia Zuccardi

Concreto Mendoza Malbec 2021

Exceptional concentration via whole cluster extraction. A richness that rivals that of California cabs 😳 — 9 months ago

Cochon Wines

Whole Hog Red Blend 2020

Plum fruitiness with peppery aftertaste. — 9 months ago

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 2012

Delectable Wine
9.0

The 2012 Les Carmes Haut-Brion was the first vintage with whole bunches (40%) and 18 months in barrel. It was the introductory vintage under current winemaker Guillaume Pouthier. This is much more enticing on the nose after the 2011: well-defined black cherries, cola, peppermint, light rose petal scents and a hint of marmalade that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, more freshness and tension than the 2011, and frankly, you would never be able to tell there was whole bunch here. This appears to be maturing with style and panache, but it will give another decade or more of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Les Carmes Haut-Brion vertical at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, October 2012)
— 4 years ago

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Whole Cluster Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Great value. Definitely my go to $25 bottle — 6 months ago

Dave, Neil and 5 others liked this

Sine Qua Non

Turn the Whole Thing Upside Down Grenache 2009

#AgedWineTuesday

Deep purple in color with a short, cloudy purple rim.

Strong nose of black currants, black plums, stewed cherries, dried figs, raisins, ginger, oak, eucalyptus, spices, green beans and peppercorn.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruit forward on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, tobacco, licorice, peppercorn, chocolates, herbs, spices and coffee.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 16 year old Grenache from California feels like it peaked a few years ago, but still drinking beautifully. Elegant and rich.

The Syrah notes are very dominant, especially right out of the bottle.

Complex and interesting, with a beautiful nose. Extracted and fruit forward.

Robert Parker 96 points.

Needed 2 hours to open up, and delicious by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of 84% Grenache, 11% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre.

15.6% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$330.
— 7 months ago

Paul, Tom and 14 others liked this

Tolpuddle Vineyard

Tasmania Pinot Noir 2022

Stunning pinot and testament to how Tasmania has benefitted from climate change and now taken its place at the top of Australian pinot, along with Yarra, Geelong, and Mornington. The nose is all dusty cherry and deep savoury spice. The palate is elegant, but the impact and concentration of dark cherry fruit is what makes this special. A hint of herbal/vegetal whole bunch. Then the savoury sandalwood kicks in and does not give up. One of the longest finishes i can remember. Cracking. — 2 years ago

Ira liked this