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.

This is pretty as a picture. Blue and red berries, slips of spice, smoked cedar tucked in; it’s Pinot Noir in naked form, the bones clear but so too the flesh. This result is exquisite. It glides slowly through the start and then gradually, like a river through the rapids, increases its speed to the rush of an exaggeratedly long finish. This Pinot Noir is minerally, almost gravelly. It has flesh and perfume. It delves into secret herbs and spices territory. It’s a wine in perfect form. The tautness, the perfume, the flesh; everything is elite. Date: July 2025; Alcohol: 13.3%; Price: $105; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2028-2035+; Rated: 97 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

No whole bunches and only MV6 from a south-facing slope at 400m, which has worked well in this warm year. A touch closed, this didn't need too long to open up, revealing a complex array of aromas including pure red cherry, sarsaparilla and spices such as clove and cardamom. Tightly wound, this is driven as much by the wine's very bright acidity as its superfine tannins. Give this some air and drink now or watch it slowly unfurl over time. Date: Feb 2025; Alcohol: 13.3%; Price: $110.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 96 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion