2024 Giant Steps Sexton Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley

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.

96 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Giant Steps Sexton Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley is a beautifully refined, site driven expression that mirrors the precision and depth for which the Sexton Vineyard has become famous. Planted in the Upper Yarra on deep grey clay loams, this cool, elevated site produces Pinot Noir of perfume, structure and mineral drive rather than overt richness. Giant Steps approach the wine with quiet confidence: hand harvested fruit, a portion of whole bunches for aromatic lift, wild fermentation in small open vessels and maturation in fine French oak, all carefully balanced to let vineyard character take the lead.

The aromatics are expressive and layered. Red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry sit at the core, lifted by rose petal, cranberry and subtle spice from whole bunch inclusion. Beneath the fruit lies a cool savoury edge of forest floor, dried herbs and crushed stone, giving the wine depth and seriousness. With air, notes of orange peel, gentle oak toast and dried flowers add complexity without heaviness.

The palate is silky, focused and quietly powerful. Bright red fruits glide across fine, chalky tannins, supported by lively acidity that keeps the wine energetic and precise. Flavours of cherry skin, redcurrant, pomegranate and soft spice unfold gradually, finishing long with a mineral edge and a faint savoury grip that reflects the Sexton soils. It is beautifully poised now, yet clearly built to age, with six to ten years bringing further complexity in the form of truffle, sous bois and autumnal spice.

A natural match for roast duck, mushroom dishes, chargrilled salmon, game birds, beetroot based dishes or soft, earthy cheeses. Sexton Pinot Noir is a confident and serious Yarra Valley Pinot, combining finesse, purity and a clear sense of place.