Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024 is a highly rated, top-tier single-vineyard Pinot from the Yarra Valley.
It features concentrated dark fruit flavors with elegant spice lines, boasting excellent structure and aging potential.
Region/Winery: Victoria Yarra Valley, Australia; Giant Steps Applejack single vineyard, located in Gladysdale at an altitude of approximately 300 meters.
The cool climate and late ripening conditions are particularly suitable for Pinot.
Vineyard Making: Approximately 40% whole bunch fermentation, the remainder destemmed and whole-grain fermentation, followed by aging in French oak barrels for approximately 10 months, with about 20% in new barrels and the rest in older barrels. Bottled unclarified and unfiltered.
Alcohol Content: Approximately 13.3%.
Flavor and Style
Aroma: The review mentions wild blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, and raspberry, combined with blood orange, floral notes, dried vanilla, and sous bois, further enhanced by hints of orange peel, chinotto, clove, dark chocolate, and star anise. The overall aroma is concentrated with a touch of "wildness."
Palmistry: Silky on the palate, medium-to-full body, with very concentrated fruit flavors. Red and black fruits are paired with five-spice powder and herbal savory notes. The tannins are firm and chewy yet mature. The finish is very long, with layers gradually transitioning from fruit sweetness to spice and minerality.
Style Keywords: Dark fruit, slightly sauvage, strong structure, long aging potential. One of the most sought-after Pinots in Australia in recent years, with some critics even describing it as the "best Pinot" of the night.
Ratings and Drinking Recommendations
Ratings: Halliday Wine Companion 98 points, James Suckling 97 points, Wine Advocate approximately 96 points. Multiple authoritative wine critics have given it consistently high marks, making it one of Applejack's top batches to date.