Yarra Valley based vigneron, Phil Sexton lives with his family in the middle of their 80 acre vineyard established on the high north face of the Warramate Ranges in the dress circle of the Yarra Valley. Specialising in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Giant Steps explore site, micro climatic and clonal differences between several specialized vineyards in the Yarra Valley including their own multi-clonal vineyard and the highly regarded Tarraford vineyard. Focused intently upon reflecting the individual and unique characteristics of each single vineyard, Giant Steps adopts a minimalist approach to winemaking including, whenever possible, vinification using indigenous yeasts and gravity flow transfers.

Named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard, which was planted at Gladysdale in 1997. Made without compromise using 100% hand picked fruit from meticulously maintained Applejack vineyards. Natural winemaking philosophy, while making quality the priority. Minimal intervention in the vineyard and 100% hand-picked.  50% whole bunch, remainder whole berry, indigenous fermentation in 4000L open oak vats. Delestage by gravity and occasional hand plunges. 11 months in new and used French barriques – 30% new, 70% older.

Pinot Noir of the Year - James Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2024

Named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard, which was planted at Gladysdale in 1997. Seven clones comprising 114, 115, MV6, D2V5, D5V15, Pommard and Abel. Whole bunches (15%) and 20–25% new French barriques. Like a Mahler symphony, all of the elements of this wine are in perfect harmony. Aromas of crushed rose petals, red and black cherries, satsuma plums and subtle hints of sandalwood and fennel fronds. There's a little charcuterie and a discreet touch of wet stone. On the palate, this is the most concentrated, structured and saline Applejack I can remember, yet you barely notice the tannins due to the core of pure raspberry and cherry fruit. There's a gentle sappiness on the long, lingering finish. Simply irresistible.
Date: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $90.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 98 Points & Special Value Star; Philip Rich; James Halliday Wine Companion

What a wine this is. It’s a bloom of fruit, it’s wild with herbs, there are sweet-sour nuances and there’s a controlled run to the finish. Winemaker Mel Chester says: ‘everything you love about pinot noir, is in this wine.’ A reductive savouriness, particularly noticeable on the finish, is the icing. This is a stunning wine. Stunning fruit, and stunning structure, and stunning length. Date: Jul 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $80; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2024-2030+; Rated: 97 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

Medium-full red with a purple rim, the bouquet red and darker cherries, dusty dried-herb notes, a trace of nutty oak, a hint of liqueured cherry as it aired. There is excellent intensity and volume of flavour, allied with good structure thanks to well shaped tannins, the finish long and the flavour and structure finish right out. Superb pinot noir.  Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

 

(19355)

SKU 19355
Brand Giant Steps
Shipping Weight 1.3333kg
Unit Of Measure ea

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