Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 13.2% 750ML

Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 13.2% 750ML

Tasting Notes

Aroma
We notice it produces the most earthen pinot noirs, that have the beautiful perfume and exotic red fruits that we love about Pinot, with complex notes of fresh turned earth, miso and mushroom.

Palate
The flavours combined with wound tannins, intense flavour and texture on the palate shows us the quality of the site for world class Pinot Noir.

Region notes
Applejack Vineyard is a special site, located on a dramatic slope in the upper Yarra Valley. It was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997. The basalt based underlying volcanic soil and rock produce a characteristically fine yet extended, spicy and firm palate. The higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (3-4 weeks later than central Yarra Valley). This vineyard is a special location for Pinot Noir in the Yarra Valley – its eastern aspect means the sun rises to gently warm and dry out the vineyard in the morning, but the vines are sheltered from the afternoon heat by the temperate rainforest that surrounds it.

Cellaring potential
Now - 8 years.

Vinification
Hand-picked, Fermented in a combination of small oak fermenters and stainless-steel open vats. The Pommard clone parcels were fermented as whole bunches, while the remaining clones were destemmed to whole berries and cold soaked for four days before fermentation started naturally. The final blend is 40% whole bunch fermented.
Maturation
All parcels were matured in French oak 20% new, 80% seasoned – for ten months in 225L barriques, predominately Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé. The wine was not moved and kept in contact with its lees before blending in December. Bottled by gravity. No fining. No filtration.

Vintage notes
2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The season was defined by a cool Spring, a mild growing season, cool nights, and medium to high rainfall. 2023 was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with our first pick starting two and a half weeks later than the previous average. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities.

Grape variety
100% Pinot Noir

PH
3.49

Acidity
6.1 g/L

REGION:
Yarra Valley, Victoria
WINEMAKER:
Melanie Chester, Jess Clarke & Steve Flamsteed

96 Points

Complex aromas of blackberry bush, cassia bark, coffee beans and autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with refined tannins and integrated acidity, giving notes of wet bark, dried herbs, dark cherries and cured meat. A hint of reduction with a savory edge. 40% whole-cluster fermentation.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, 05 December 2024