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DOMAINE HENRI MAGNIEN Gevrey Chambertin , Gevrey-Chambertin

Bouchard Père et Fils, who have owned vineyards here since 1791, today own 2.32 hectares of this 9.39ha premier cru vineyard located at the most northern end of Beaune, right near the Savigny Les Beaune vineyard of the same name. This always well priced wine is typically medium bodied with discreet wood and can be enjoyed young.

Produced from one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World the Giant Steps Pinot Noir is complex with terrific varietal character. With a minimalist approach to winemaking this Yarra Valley favourite oozes elegance and drinkability. Giant Steps is an independent winery in Healesville, Victoria, owned by Phil Sexton. Phil first made his name in establishing some noted micro-breweries, such as Little Creatures, and later established Devils Lair in Margaret River. First released in 2001, Giant Steps focuses exclusively on the distinctive expression of single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. Grapes are drawn from estate and leased vineyards, as well as a selection of long-term contracted vineyards. Giant Steps wines are produced fastidiously in the vineyard and vinified with minimal intervention so that each is a faithful expression of site, vintage and culture. Giant Steps focuses on restrained Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and cool climate Cabernet/Merlot blends. These single vineyard wines are sourced from five different vineyards throughout the Yarra, so each is a fingerprint of location and site personality. The name Giant Steps comes in part from Phils love for jazz and John Coltranes album of that same name, and in part due the Giant Step Phil took in relocating with his family from Margaret River to the Yarra Valley. Giant Steps wines are always exclusively single vineyard Yarra Valley wines. They are hand made in small batches using gravity flow principles. Production of the Giant Steps wines is very limited with some vineyards producing as little as 200 cases each vintage some wines are not produced each year if vintage conditions do not allow. These wines are often hard to find in retail outlets as they are mainly sold through the cellar door and through selected restaurants.

Giant Steps is a complex Pinot Noir with terrific varietal character. The nose shows rose petal, dark cherry and tomato leaf aromas and the palate is fleshy but tight, with savoury, dusty notes and silky tannins.

As often happens with Calvert, the nose when young is slightly muted and more direct than exotic; pure and fine aromas, not bold and lush. The palate follows on accordingly, with clarity of fruit, roses and florals. Focussed, concentrated yet pure in the mid-palate, with its hallmark mineral texture, its firm but ultimately juicy on the finish. The vines are growing up and were seeing the puppy-fat turn to muscle.

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.

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

Applejack Vineyard was planted by highly respected viticulturist Ray Guerin and is managed by his son Mark. This vineyard is situated in the Upper Yarra Valley to the south east of the traditional valley floor. The higher altitudes result in cooler growing conditions, despite the westerly aspect. The distinctive dark-red volcanic loam soil is a distinguishing feature of the vineyard. Applejack Vineyard is located on a dramatic slope and is close planted and meticulously managed. Australian Pinot royalty! Giant Steps produced this Pinot Noir.

Originating from a unique vineyard site anchored in black volcanic soil, Farrside Pinot Noir is one of Australias finest singe vineyard wines, displaying great structure, tannin backbone and layered complexity. The wine is distinguished by its savoury mineral edge, firm backbone of fine tannin and more resolute, masculine structure. Situated on a north east facing slope, the vine rows of the Farrside vineyard are planted in an east-west orientation providing additional protection from intense summer sunlight.