Toolangi Vineyard Pinot Noir
Established in 1995, Toolangi Vineyard is in the Yarra Valley adjoining the Toolangi State Forest. This single-site vineyard on fine clay loam produces wines with distinctive personalities, each wine showing a strong sense of place. The vines were cropped low, and the fruit was hand-harvested from 20-year-old vines of MV6 Pinot Noir clone. The fruit was destemmed as whole berries, with 5% left as whole bunches. There was a short cold soak prior to fermentation and the wine was then left on skins for 14 days. It was then pressed to French oak (5% new) for malolactic conversion and left on lees in oak for 10 months. “Light but satisfying. Delicious spice notes, sweet and roasted, with the tang of red cherry and cranberry flavours. It has both quality and complexity written all over it but, responsibly, it’s also the kind of pinot you just want to guzzle. It has that out-and-out drinkability. Firm-ish tannin keeps things controlled and it finishes long enough to satisfy.” 92 Points, Campbell Mattinson
Giant Steps Circle of Fifths Pinot Noir
This is the debut release of Circle of Fifths Pinot Noir, a wine that brings together the highlights of Giant Steps’ single vineyards into one smooth and easy-going tune. Like a jazz band having a jam session, Circle of Fifths is all about finding harmony in diversity, creating something complete and balanced that captures the whole Yarra Valley vibe. This 2024 release, crafted by Mel Chester and her crew, who know how to let each vineyard hit its note just right, is a great first album. Fruit from Tarraford, Sexton, Primavera, Applejack, and Bastard Hill vineyards comes together here, each adding a little something to the blend’s overall rhythm. The 42% whole bunch fermentation gives a nice bounce to the red fruit and spice notes, while a touch of oak rounds things out like a steady bassline. It was a classic Yarra season, fresh and bright, with just enough warmth for a juicy finish. Hand-picked, gently handled, and blended with a light touch, this is a Pinot that’s easy to love now but has plenty to say down the line too. Think of it as the jam session after the solos, a wine that’s all about coming together and playing the right notes. 96 points"Along with the chardonnay, this is an exciting new addition to the Giant Steps range. A blend of all the single-vineyard wines and mainly from the vineyards in the Upper Yarra... Concentrated, with far more stuffing that the Yarra Pinot. Ripe, suave tannins ensure this will be worth cellaring for at least five to eight years."- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion) 94+ points"This is complex and well-flavoured but it’s the spread of the finish that sets it apart. It’s an excellent pinot noir... This wine feels as though it’s itching to release yet more complexities; it has that vibe. Time will be kind."- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)
Giant Steps Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 750MLx6
Elegant, expressive, and quintessentially Yarra Valley. The Giant Steps Pinot Noir is a benchmark cool-climate red, crafted from a 50-50 blend of upper and lower Yarra Valley fruit. It delivers vibrant aromas of raspberry, black cherry, wild herbs, and crushed violets. Silky and sappy on the palate, this wine showcases depth, finesse, and a lingering finish. A must-have for lovers of refined Australian Pinot.