The Wanderer
Upper Yarra Valley, Victoria
Andrew Marks is a second-generation Yarra Valley viticulturalist and winemaker. He continues on the Gembrook Hill estate that his parents Ian and June established in 1983. (We import both his Gembrook Hill wines and The Wanderer wines).
In creating The Wanderer label, well before he was in charge at Gembrook Hill, Andrew was able to explore alternative winemaking techniques (such as whole bunch fermentation) that would be out of place under te family label. Today, Andrew continues making The Wanderer wines, despite being in full control at Gembrook Hill. Tasting Gembrook Hill Pinot alongside The Wanderer Pinot is always a fascinating comparative tasting if you ever get the chance.
“We strive to deliver individual wines of flavour, character and balance by working with low yielding vineyards and using minimal wine making techniques to preserve the vineyard's natural goodness.”
‘The Wanderer’ Upper Yarra Chardonnay 2022
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Region: Upper Yarra Valley, Victoria
Soil: Volcanic Red
Grape: Chardonnay
Farming: organic
ABV: 12.5%
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The grapes were whole bunch pressed then run into barrel with full solids the next day. Wild fermentation, left on lees without stirring until bottling. Fermentation and elevage in old french barrels. Only two barrels made a puncheon 500L and a hogshead 300L.
This looks great: lots of energy in this wine with firm white peach and white nectarine flavours complementing a taut acid line that gives the sensation of water flowing over wet pebbles. It's linear and concentrated. I'm surprised to hear it went through full malo. - Chesterton Cook, LC Selections.
‘The Wanderer’ Upper Yarra Pinot Noir 2022
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Region: Upper Yarra Valley, Victoria
Soil: Volcanic Red
Grape: Pinot Noir
Farming: organic
ABV: 13.5%
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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. Tasted frequently touched rarely.
I love Wanderer Pinot. The 2022 has just been released and does differ stylistically from the previous two releases. Firstly, the vintage was difficult, and yields were very low. As a result, there is some real fruit concentration in this wine, a slight step away from the more elegant 2021 release. Still, i'm thoroughly enjoying it as I write this note. It shows some blood plum and rhubarb and is initially quite reductive when first poured. I'd decant this as it is showing more and more character as it laps up oxygen in the glass. Mouthfeel is as expansive as ever and fresh natural acid leaves the palate alive and fresh. As always, plenty going on with this wine. - Chesterton Cook, LC Selections.
