2015 Giant Steps Pinot Noir

Yet another Yarra Valley Pinot showcasing the quality of the 2015 vintage. The fruit was sourced from Giant Steps’ Applejack, Sexton and Tarraford vineyards with maturation taking place in a combination of new (25%) and used French puncheons for a period of 11 months.

Semi translucent bright dark red colour with a crimson red hue. Youthful fresh ripe cherry, raspberry, strawberry and violet scents with a subtle clove overlay are followed by some meatiness and spicy cedar. Light and elegant but with an outstanding power wave the palate has flavours of ripe dark cherries, plums and strawberries that linger long onto the aftertaste with subtle clove infusions, a hint of meatiness and spicy cedar following on. Perfectly integrated, finely grained tannins are virtually undetectable even at this early stage of life. Long savoury conclusion of ripe red cherries, plums, strawberries, faint clove infusions, a subtle meatiness and spicy cedar.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 13.8%

Other Reviews….
The first release of a new “Yarra Valley range” out of Giant Steps. This in the context that Giant Steps has sold the Innocent Bystander name (to Brown Brothers).
Hand picked, wild yeast, no fining or filtration. The winemaking doesn’t sound compromised, and nor does the shape and flavour of the wine in the mouth. It’s sour-sweet in a positive way, ripped with dry herbs and cherry-plum, with cranberry and crushed dry spice notes aplenty. It’s succulent, it’s tangy, it’s spicy and yet it’s firm and strong. It speaks of a top-notch vintage, and producer. Drink 2016-2024.
94 points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front