Giant Steps Wombat Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

In 1997 Phil Sexton arrived in the Yarra Valley in search of altitude, aged soils, slopes of exposure, regular rainfall and cool to cold night time temperatures and a gentle breeze off the protecting mountain ranges. Why, because he wanted to grow amazing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit to make wines of purity and finesse. Wombat Creek Vineyard is the highest altitude vineyard in the Yarra Valley, making it an ideal location for the production of extreme cool climate wines. The underlying ferrous (red) based volcanic soil and rock produce a distinctively soft yet long and firm palate that contrasts with the finer palates seen from the nearby Applejack Vineyard (basalt based volcanic).

2021 was a terrific vintage for both vineyard quality and quantity. The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average which led to a long slow ripening period and great concentration of flavours and natural tannin structure. The drawn-out harvest then led to a long slow ripening period which produced thicker skins, riper stems and allowed more whole bunch fermentation.

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. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 96 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Yarra Valley, Victoria
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%