The 2023 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from Giant Steps captures the purity and precision that have made this estate one of Australia’s modern benchmarks for cool-climate winemaking. Fruit is sourced from a collection of exceptional single vineyards across the upper Yarra, each contributing finesse, lift, and complexity. Wild fermentation and gentle handling preserve the natural energy and texture of the fruit, while a restrained use of oak allows the vineyard character to shine through.

In the glass, it’s beautifully perfumed with red cherry, cranberry, and rose petal aromas, underpinned by subtle notes of spice and forest floor. The palate is vibrant and silky, showing balance and length that speak of both place and craftsmanship. A quintessential expression of the Yarra Valley and another outstanding release from Giant Steps — elegant, pure, and effortlessly drinkable.

Giant Steps was founded by Phil Sexton in 1997 and has since forged a reputation as one of the Yarra Valley’s most exciting producers. Giant Steps was acquired by Jackson Family Wine Estates in 2020. According to Phil Sexton, “this partnership brings us the relationships and careful resources of a great wine family who are committed to vineyards, sustainability and faithful expression of site.”

Melanie Chester joined Giant Steps as Head of Winemaking and Viticulture in 2021. Supported by Steve Flamsteed, she works with the winemaking team to honestly express each vintage, grape variety and unique vineyard site in the final wines. Her approach embraces meticulous work in the vineyard and minimum intervention in the winery.

Pinot Noir (100%)

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most revered and expressive grape varieties, prized for its elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect terroir like no other. Native to Burgundy, it thrives in cool to moderate climates and is notoriously thin-skinned and finicky to grow, requiring careful vineyard management. In the glass, Pinot Noir typically offers delicate aromas of red berries—such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry—alongside floral notes, forest floor, and subtle spice. Its light to medium body, gentle tannins, and bright acidity make it both graceful and food-friendly. Whether from the limestone slopes of Burgundy, the coastal vineyards of California, the hills of Oregon, or New Zealand’s Central Otago, Pinot Noir captivates with its finesse, transparency, and the ability to age gracefully, making it a favourite among both winemakers and wine lovers alike.

Victoria