This 20ha vineyard was planted on red clay loam soil at Woori Yallock in 2001 by Lou Primavera, with whom Giant Steps has a long-standing grape-supply relationship. Pinot Noir (114, MV6 and G8V3 clones) grown here on the north and north east facing slopes at 230m is noted for its complex structure and pronounced perfume. The 114 and MV6 are fermented as whole bunches in open vats, while the G8V3 is destemmed, given a long cold-soak and fermented separately to enhance its aromatic contribution. All ferments use indigenous yeasts and the whole-bunch components are periodically foot-stomped to release additional juice. The wines are pressed to 228 litre, French barriques (about 8% new) for 11 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

This savoury Pinot Noir is the result of an assemblage of twelve individual batches sourced from our Maroondah Highway vineyard. Subtle aromas of rhubarb, violets, earth, chervil, mace, leather, pencil shavings & cocoa nib with a stemmy note contributed by fermention with stalks. The composed elegant palate exhibits strawberry, tamarind & peach stone tartness from ingrained natural acidity, softly spreading fruit weight & sweeping talc-like tannins.

Central Otago is regarded as the best for NZ Pinot Noir. Ripe bouquet of satsumas, plum & meat. Firm soft tannins.

Big, bold and full of all the black fruits, namely cherries, the Super Nanny is tempered with subtle notes of leather, spice and oak. Fine tannins and juicy acidity join forces to give it a long, clean finish. Super Nanny loves gamey red meats, so try it with duck or venison in particular.

From vines yielding less than 1 tonne/acre, 100% whole bunch, natural yeast ferment, 100% new oak. A powerful and structural Pinot Noir by Lethbridge. An unusual presentation of the MV6 clone in the Estate vineyard produces fruit of great density of flavour, and very low yield (0.5 tonnes/acre). This wine was fermented with 100% whole bunch inclusion and had pre-fermentation maceration for 7-10 days. Wild yeast fermentation in small open vats proceeded with daily pigéage. Pressing was straight to barrel (100% new French oak) to allow for gross lees contact and natural MLF.

An ethereal Pinot Noir, it has a nose of violets, boysenberry, plum, black olive and vanilla. Telling the story of the vintage, it is sweet-fruited and pretty with cherry,raspberry and blackberry, along with savoury tapenade and a touch of char and spice. Possessing talcy tannins and lively acidity, complexity builds mid-palate and it has a long, harmonious finish.

One of the most exciting discoveries we made from a trip to New Zealand last year. Coal Pit is located in the Gibbston Valley sub region of Central Otago. Perfumed with violets, the nose is lifted and aromatic. Vibrant mid palate of black doris plum, wild herb, coffee and cassis backed by silky tannins and well integrated spicy oak. Take our word for it, you will not regret it..

Winemaker’s comments: The Tiger Pinot Noir is a single vineyard wine made from grapes grown in our Tiger vineyard in the Lowburn sub-region. The vineyard is on sloping land up off the valley floor and this elevated cooler position allows the vineyard to ripen slowly, building layer upon layer of flavour nuance and soft silky tannins. The wines from this vineyard typically display spicy aromatic red berry fruits and violets. The palate is characterised by a broad structure and layers of fine integrated tannin and fruit which is more textural than structural. The Tiger is always quite shy and reticent in its youth and after 4-5 years in bottle it really blossoms and expresses itself. Wine notes: Opens with an aromatic potpourri of fresh red berry fruit, warm spice, and dried herbs. There are layers of fine silky tannins. The broad structure provides a seamless frame and space for the lingering interplay of red berry and savoury flavours slowly fading with calm persistent clarity and detail.