Giant Steps Pinot Noir Sexton 2023

Produced in the Yarra Valley region of Australia, this single vineyard wine hails from the revered Sexton Vineyard in the Gruyere subregion. Founded in 1997 by Phil Sexton, Giant Steps was established with the goal of creating authentic, site-specific Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that reflect the unique cool climate of the valley. Under the guidance of Head Winemaker Melanie Chester, the winery focuses on minimal intervention and gravity flow techniques to ensure the distinct personality of each vineyard is transparently expressed in the glass.

Wine Description

This concentrated Pinot Noir presents a deep ruby hue and opens with heady aromas of kirsch, damson plums, and licorice root, accented by complex notes of blueberry bush, graphite, and wild herbs. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy, featuring a core of black cherry, blackberry, and pomegranate supported by ripe, persistent tannins and a bright, natural acidity. With its firmly integrated structure and savoury finish of dried thyme and sandalwood, this wine demonstrates exceptional balance and power.

Food Pairing

The wine's savoury depth and firm tannins make it an excellent partner for turmeric and garlic roasted chicken with couscous, or a rich mushroom risotto featuring roasted enoki. It also pairs beautifully with barbecue quail seasoned with five spice and fried spring onions.

Accolades:

James Suckling (96 Points):

Complex aromas of blueberry bush, wild blackberries, graphite and pomegranates. The palate is medium-bodied with seamlessly integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of Damson plums, dark cherries, coffee beans and wild raspberries. Vibrant and refined, with a firmly integrated structure.

Jasper Morris MW (95 Points):

Earthy, bunchy aromas lead with snapped twig, cassia, liquorice root, kirsch, plum and nutmeg, backed by dried herbs, pan juices and subtle clove. Damp earth rises with air. The palate is fulsome and sappy with sapidity and power – dark cherry, plum skin, stalkiness, tilled earth and dried cranberry, lifted by forest floor notes. Mocha hints lurk but don’t fully emerge. Chalky, firm tannins cut the texture and funnel complexity into a savoury finish. Whole bunch integration adds savoury dimension around the fruit. Excellent texture and intensity.

Wine Spectator (95 Points):

A stunning red, with a fleshy core of black cherry, plum and blackberry flavors accented with salted black licorice, cardamom, Earl Grey and dried thyme. Accents of fresh tomato leaf and sandalwood linger on the finish alongside firming tannins.