2021 Giant Steps Wombat Creek Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley

Medium colour, purple-tinted, spicy and vegetal aromas greet the nose, floral and raspberry too, with some vanilla and chocolate notes, the palate light-medium bodied with good intensity and a backbone of fine and taut tannins adding tension to the finish. Dried flowers and dried herbs. Great intensity, focus, depth and complexity and it has the potential to build more with time in the bottle. A pinot of real beauty. (Gladysdale, 420m alt, the highest vineyard in the Yarra Valley, according to Giant Steps. 14 barrels made) 23 JUN 2022 Drink 2022–2033

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com
 
From the marginal Wombat Creek vineyard, planted around 400m elevation in the early 1980s. All MV6 clone, made in 2021 from 100% whole bunches, inspired mainly by the miniscule 40gm bunches. Matured in French barriques, 20% new. A light bright crimson. Perfumed and lifted with some wild strawberry, musk sticks and dried rose petals. Silky textured the stems are already pretty well integrated into the wine and there's a long, sappy and gently sinewy finish. This has all the components to improve and become more complex in bottle over the next 10 years.

95 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Fresh, brambly and fragrant, this has aromas of blueberry and red plum with a very chiseled palate that winds fine tannin around an elegant core of red-cherry fruit flavor. So focused and elegant. Drink over the next six years. Screw cap.

95 points James Suckling

Giant Steps' Wombat Creek vineyard sits in the Upper Yarra Valley, where elevation and cool climate conditions create an ideal environment for elegant, structured Pinot Noir. The 2021 vintage brought moderate temperatures and steady ripening, allowing the fruit to develop complexity and depth while maintaining the vibrant acidity that defines great Yarra Valley wines. Winemaker Steve Flamsteed's restrained approach in the cellar emphasizes purity and site expression, with minimal intervention allowing the vineyard's distinctive voice to emerge clearly.

Luminous ruby in the glass with a slight garnet edge, the wine reveals layers of perfume on the nose: wild strawberry, cranberry and red cherry mingle with rose hip, Earl Grey tea and forest floor. There's a subtle spice quality, hints of sandalwood and dried thyme, alongside a cool climate herbal lift that adds intrigue. The palate is medium bodied and beautifully poised, offering red berry fruit laced with blood orange, pomegranate and a whisper of mushroom. Silky tannins provide structure without weight, while bright acidity propels a long finish tinged with subtle oak spice and earthy complexity.

Pour alongside roast duck with cherry jus, where the wine's fruit and acidity complement the richness perfectly, or try wild mushroom and truffle pasta that echoes its earthy undertones. The Pinot works brilliantly with salmon, whether pan seared with herbs or served as tartare, and pairs beautifully with charcuterie featuring prosciutto and pâté. For game, consider quail with roasted beetroot, venison carpaccio with juniper berries, or even Peking duck pancakes that bridge the wine's delicate spice notes. Aged Gruyère or soft washed rind cheeses offer another compelling match.