Fragrant and expressive, with polished, creamy tannins setting the stage for blueberry, raspberry and cardamom flavors. Delivers details of palo santo, brown sugar, dried violet and sweet mint tea on the long, impressive finish. Drink now through 2034. 922 cases made, 200 cases imported.
96 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator (Dec 2022)
Complex from the very first moment. Aromas of blueberries, red and dark cherries, sappy and herbal notes, as well as hard brown spices, blackcurrants and violets. The palate has such succulent and energetic style, with red and dark cherries and blueberries sitting in a very complete and layered, fine brand of tannin. The depth and plushness are both impressive. Drink over the next eight years. Screw cap.
96 points, James Suckling (Oct 2022)
From the Sexton vineyard in Gruyere, planted on the same grey clay as the Applejack vineyard; 50% whole bunches and 50% destemmed. Matured 11 months in French barriques (20% new). Bottled unfined and unfiltered. A dark, deep crimson. A more robust Yarra Valley pinot with its aromas of dark cherries, black plum and a dried-earth character that makes it quite different to the other Giant Step single-vineyard pinots. Sweetly fruited, concentrated and structured on the palate, what this impressive wine doesn't have in finesse, it makes up for in power and grunt. This should still be looking good, 10, if not 15, years from now.
96 points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion (Aug 2022)
After short time in glass, this Pinot blossoms into a graceful, multifaceted wine. Bright and fruity, it offers delicate blueberry and raspberry fruit threaded softly with clove, vanilla and rose petal notes. The palate is elegantly structured with sandy-textured, fine tannins, juicy acidity and a long tangy finish. Harmonious and capable of aging for seven to ten years, this wine is equally delicious now.
94 points, Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast (Jul 2023)