2024 Giant Steps Circle of Fifths Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley

Along with the chardonnay, this is an exciting new addition to the Giant Steps range. A blend of all the single-vineyard wines and mainly from the vineyards in the Upper Yarra. 40% whole bunches. Gently brooding with aromas of wild black cherries and raspberries along with some whole-bunch–derived fennel seed spice and a touch of violets. Concentrated, with far more stuffing that the Yarra Pinot. Ripe, suave tannins ensure this will be worth cellaring for at least five to eight years.

96 points Special Value Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Deep and bright red with a glint of purple, the bouquet reserved and shy but fresh, the palate medium weighted and plush in deliciously ripe sweet cherry pinot fruit. Lovely wine and ready to enjoy now, although it will take some age too. Excellent balance and palate length. 02 Jun 2025 Drink 2025–2038

94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Giant Steps Circle of Fifths Pinot Noir is a precise and expressive single-site wine from the cool-climate vineyards of the Yarra Valley, crafted as part of Giant Steps’ micro-lot, musically inspired series. The name Circle of Fifths refers both to a musical theory concept and to the harmony and balance the winemaking team seeks in this small-batch Pinot Noir. This cuvée represents a specific expression of site, vintage and clone, made with minimal intervention and maximum sensitivity.

Sourced from a particular block of the Sexton vineyard, planted in clay and rocky gravel soils at elevation, the fruit benefits from a long ripening season that preserves acidity and builds layered flavor. The grapes are handpicked and fermented with a portion of whole bunches for added perfume and structure. Ageing is carried out in French oak, mostly older barrels, to maintain focus on fruit purity and site transparency.

The nose is lifted and aromatic, offering red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, spice and a touch of forest floor. On the palate, it is medium bodied and finely textured with layers of wild strawberry, cranberry, baking spice and crushed herbs. The tannins are silky and precise, the acidity bright, and the finish long and elegant with a mineral edge.

Food pairing: perfect with duck breast, roast quail, mushroom risotto, chargrilled salmon, or soft cheeses like taleggio and brie. Also excellent with truffled pasta or lentil and beetroot salad.

Cellar potential: delicious now with a decant, but will reward careful cellaring over the next 6 to 10 years as it gains complexity and depth.