$50 to $100
Giant Steps Wombat Creek Vineyard Chardonnay
Giant Steps Wombat Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 16ha Wombat Creek Vineyard at Gladysdale is the highest in the Yarra Valley, at 420m. Planted in 1988 on north-east facing slopes, it was originally intended for sparkling wines, but has been transitioned to Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay) for table wine. The underlying iron-based red volcanic soil and rock contribute to wines with a distinctive soft yet long and firm palate. MV6 clone Pinot Noir grapes are hand-picked with 20% destemmed to the base of the vat for a pied de cuve ferment. The vats were then filled with whole bunches and closed to allow a semi-carbonic maceration to occur. Some foot-stomping takes place to release more juice and extend skin-contact time. After two weeks the wine is pressed to tight-grained, 228 litre, French barriques (about 18% new) for 10 months before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.The wine is noted for its soft texture and long, well-structured palate