The Wanderer is made by Andrew Marks who is based at his family vineyard, Gembrook Hill, in the Upper Yarra Valley.

Single vineyard wine from Yellingbo, at the Southern end of the Yarra Valley. Cane pruned MV6 clone on volcanic red soil with Nth Eastern aspect at 200m elevation. 20% whole bunches. Cold soak and fermentation in open fermenters. Wild ferment. Hand plunged. Large format oak. 30% new Damy Alliers French oak for 11 months on lees.
Price (Incl. GST): $58.00

Look, admittedly, this Pinot Noir is right up my alley. It’s a bit wild, a bit reductive and it shows a bit of sulphur. I like all those things. It was fermented naturally and saw 20 percent whole bunches, and there’s definitely a ‘bunchy’ edge to the wine, with twig, spice and garden herb notes given a bit of rein. But the fruit at its core is sweet and ripe, and the finish is longer than the Flemington straight. I’m not just hitting the Top Tipple button. I’m hitting Top Value. Winemaker Andrew Marks and the vineyard he works with have really excelled themselves here. Date: Aug 2024; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $58; Closure: Diam; Drink: 2024-2031+; Rated: 96 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front