Giant Steps Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2024
The Wine
The Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is the perpetually excellent entry point to Mel Chester's highly acclaimed Giant Steps range. This is a superb entry point into the world of premium Yarra Pinot Noir, with fruit sourced from the Sexton, Applejack, Tarraford and Primavera vineyards. It's made with around 40% whole bunches and meticulous attention to detail, for which Chester has become renowned. Unfined and unfiltered, too.
Aromatic red fruits, good refreshing mid-palate and a light, earthy grip on the finish. If you want to get familiar with this stellar Yarra Valley producer, this is the best place to start.
95 Pts Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion ‘A very bright crimson purple. Pretty and complex with aromas of red cherry skins and rhubarb together with some pink peppercorn spice and a light savoury edge. More approachable than the '23. As a young wine, the medium-bodied palate is spicy, silky and long. It'll probably age well but it's so good to drink now that there's no need to bother!'
93 Pts Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front) 'Classic styling here. Red and black cherried fruit flavour but with a dark, woodsy edge. Fragrant herb and wood spice top notes. Good fruit and fragrance but taut, finessed, almost filigreed. Balanced on a pinhead stuff. The aromatics here in particular feel incredibly pure and yet, at the same time, the nose is not simple and nor is it suggestive of sweetness. The control is high and yet the wine feels real. Quality wine. Beautifully turned out.'
The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Victoria
Sun Region - Yarra Valley
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2024
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.
