2021 Giant Steps Pinot Noir

2021 began as a challenging vintage in the Yarra Valley due to summer and autumn rains, and cooler than average temperatures during the growing season. However, this then led to a long slow ripening period which produced thicker skins, riper stems and more concentrated flavours, resulting in Pinot Noir of excellent quality. Fruit was sourced from the Sexton, Applejack, Primavera, Swallowfield, Wombat Creek and Tarraford vineyards. Maturation took place in French oak of which 10% was new for a period of 8 months.
Semi translucent vibrant red colour with a light purple red hue. Very fragrant the nose has an intense aromatic profile of violets, ripe red cherries and strawberries followed by fresh herb, forest floor and light spice notes. Delicious red fruits flood the mouth with ripe red to dark cherry and strawberry flavours leading the way. Elegant and supple but showing good intensity across the lighter bodied palate, infusions of fresh herbs, delicate forest floor and spice emerge on the back half. Polished tannins combine with fresh acidity and delicious red fruits to create an engaging finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
60/40% upper/lower Yarra Valley fruit. Hand picked and open-fermented with 60% whole berries, the remainder whole bunches. A very bright, light–medium crimson red. A gentle waft of fresh raspberries and cranberries, with just the right amount of spice-rack spices. Delicious right out of the gate, this medium-bodied and refreshing wine will age well too. The perfect introduction to modern Yarra pinot.
96 points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Hand-picked from the usual assortment of Giant Steps vineyards across the Yarra Valley.

Red fruit, spice, a little pepper, something of a blood orange/Campari character too. It’s slightly sappy, red cherry and spiced strawberry, again that blood orange flavour and some savoury ‘autumnal’ character. Tannin has light emery grip, and the finish is juicy/sweet/sour and slightly bitter, offering solid length. Good drink. Better again with a little more time in bottle. Drink 2023-2027.
93 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Stunning, with terrific focus and intensity to the core of Earl Grey tea, firm, juicy cherry, raspberry and white pepper flavors. Notes of clove and green cardamom linger on the finish, with a touch of salted caramel. Drink now through 2034. 
94 points
Wine Spectator