Coming Soon - 2024 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir

Founded in 1997 by Phil Sexton, Giant Steps has become one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate producers. With a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the wines are crafted to reflect their individual vineyard sites, from Tarrawarra to Gladysdale. Today, under the guidance of Head of Winemaking Melanie Chester, Giant Steps continues its legacy of expressive, site-driven wines defined by purity, finesse, and a profound sense of place.

Planted in 1997 on the steep north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges in Gruyere, the Sexton Vineyard spans 30 hectares at 130 - 210m elevation. Soils are thin grey clay loam over granite and ironstone, with low yields naturally set by the shallow gravelly loams and tough rocky clay base. Pinot Noir is predominantly G5V15 and MV6 clones, well suited to the warmer conditions and sunlight exposure of this site. Handpicked fruit was fermented in a mix of small oak fermenters and stainless-steel open vats. MV6 parcels were whole-bunch fermented, while the remainder were destemmed and cold-soaked prior to fermentation. The final blend is 20% whole bunch. Maturation took place in French oak barriques (25% new, 75% seasoned) for ten months. Bottled by gravity, unfined and unfiltered.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews....
From the Sexton vineyard in Gruyere planted in the late '90s. 100% destemmed. A deep crimson ruby. Aromas of ripe dark raspberries, blackcurrant pastilles (these were always my favourite) and even a little kirsch. A touch of rose bush. The palate is juicy and fleshy and the wine's ripe, plush tannins make this, along with the Primavera, the richest, meatiest and most immediate of the four single-vineyard pinots in '24. Having said this, you'd be happy if you found some laying around the cellar in eight or so years. Drink 2025 - 2030.
96 Points
Philip Rich - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

The Sexton vineyard was planted in 1997. It’s a north-facing, exposed site, at 200 metres above sea level.
Red fruit, aspects of saucy oak, figs and graphite, smoke. Chester described this wine as “grenache adjacent” and that’s as apt a call as you’ll hear. It has that cloves-tucked-into-raspberry-into-smoke-into-iron persona. It feels compact, it tastes delicious, and it has good weight and length, the latter featuring a keen smoked peppercorn aspect. Love the feel and the profile of this. Drink 2026 - 2033+.
94+ Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front