Giant Steps 'Applejack Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2023
The Wine
Named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard, which was planted at Gladysdale in 1997. Seven clones comprising 114, 115, MV6, D2V5, D5V15, Pommard and Abel. Whole bunches (15%) and 20–25% new French barriques.
PINOT NOIR OF THE YEAR!
98 Pts Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion ‘Aromas of kirsch, damson plums, licorice root and spices; this heady, concentrated wine has a lot of meat on the bones, with ripe, persistent tannins boding well for the future. A great contrast to the more delicate Giant Steps wines such as Bastard Hill and Primavera.’
98 Pts Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot 'The final blend of this wine is around 40% whole bunch fermented from the grey clay soils containing Able, MV6, Pommard, 114 and 115 clones. Red toffee apple, hibiscus, and freshly smeared lipstick. Rosella, beetroot and cassis. Exotically spiced, savoury and earthy. The mid palate has a clarity of Bing cherry that’s astonishing. Followed by prune plums, Quong dong and finishing with amplified acidity. There is an umami note, almost like a delicious msg sprinkle. Some decently weighted tannins keep the palate flavours echoing long into the next sip, its sturdy in its structure ensuring this wine will outlive almost any Aussie pinot noir. It’s bullet proof and worth every cent and more. Drink now or will cellar for 10 years. A wonderful wine to have with sirloin, truffle crisps or drinking alone'
98 Pts Huon Hooke, The Real Review 'Deep-ish ruby red with a lot of purple in the colour; a reserved but engaging nose of dried herbs and earthy, undergrowth scents, a note of balsamic herbs floating across to suggest some whole-bunch influence, while the palate is gorgeously sweet fruited and succulent, with ample superfine tannins in support but very sotto voce, the finish filling out superbly into a long peacock's tail with the flavour and tannins perfectly matched. An exquisite pinot noir.'
The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Victoria
Sun Region - Yarra Valley
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2023
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
In 1997, Phil Sexton seeking exception cool climate terroir journeyed to the Yarra Valley seeking high altitudes, ancient soils, exposed slopes, consistent rainfall, and the cool to cold nighttime temperatures moderated by a gentle breeze from the protective mountain ranges. His goal was to cultivate exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes to produce wines of finesse and purity. Phil subquentl identified and secured some exceptional and varied expositions.
In 2003 Steve Flamsteed was appointed Chief Winemaker has been crafting a series of Single Vineyard wines that encapsulate the essence of each location. In 2021, the highly skilled Melanie Chester came on board as the new head of winemaking and viticulture, heralding a thrilling new era for this top-tier producer.
