Bob McDonald

9.4

Mid to pale crimson - actually transparent. The pale colour belies the aromatic and palate intensity. Aromatics of cherry and raspberry transforming on to the medium bodied sweet red fruited palate. A touch of Sous Bois. An excellent Pinot as always from the Applejack Vineyard from Giant Steps. — 4 months ago

Aravind A

9.3

A wee babe, but our favorite wine from the Giant Steps tasting. Had a lot of eye-opening Tasmanian PN on this last trip, but this is gorgeous. Reminds me a bit of Russian River Valley PN with the fruit density, but without any concomitant heat; maybe lighter styled Santa Ynez body, but seemingly added whole cluster for complexity. Stretching for comparisons, but evidently its own thing. Lovely. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Delectable this Wombat Creek was a Pinot Noir, not in your database. This was very herbal with 80% whole bunch influence. Arguably too bunchy but we loved it. The palate showed red cherry and white pepper. Overall, ultra savoury. Such an interesting wine. — 2 years ago

Lyn Farmer

9.2

This is such a lovely Pinot with a winning balance of fruit and acidity. The medium bodied wine has classic aromas of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, red currant, violet, orange peel, black cherry and forest floor. Medium (+) finish, low tannin and just a perfect wine for food pairing. Classic on my Thanksgiving table. — 4 months ago

Lyn Farmer

9.2

This wine has a beautiful balance of stone and tropical fruit with crisp but not overbearing acidity. Acacia, Lemon, green apple, white peach and thyme happily nestle with vanilla, clove and a hint of hazelnut that gives a clue to lively future development. Medium body, and a long finish that leaves the palate refreshed and longing for another sip. — 9 months ago

Seth Masterson

9.0

Don't judge me for liking this. It's Delightful white blossoms and white nectarine nose. Superbly drinkable on its own, this is a great go-to for an outdoor patio spring summer social, it's a crowd pleaser that's several steps above and much more interesting than your Pinot Grigio's — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Lusatia Park is not a Cuvée used every year by Giant Steps. Oakridge make a good Chardonnay from there. This Pinot had a tawny edge to the mid Ruby Red in colour. Sweet red cherry and red fruits in general with whole bunch influence and great persistence of flavour. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

The colour is becoming more tawny since my last tasting in 2023. Lovely aromatics of red fruits and Sous Bois. Manages to combine the characteristics of both Tasmania’s Coal River Valley Pinot Noir and Steve Flamsteed’s excellent winemaking (ex Giant Steps Yarra Valley). I have previous Delectable notes on this wine. Sweet red cherry. Fleshy and supple. This wine scooped the pool at the 2019 Royal Queensland Wine Awards winning Best Pinot Noir of Show; Best Red Table Wine; Best Single Vineyard Red and Grand Champion Wine of Show. Since the acquisition of Giant Steps by the Jackson Family I’m not sure that the Nocton Vineyard is still made? Postscript: Research on line indicates that no vintage of Nocton was made after this one in 2018. — 5 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.4

There’s nothing like the excitement of head to head competition. Unfortunately, that excitement ends quickly when one of the participants has to withdraw. The 2013 was extremely advanced with a heavy petrol nose. The 2014 on the other hand was a great example of what this wine should be. A clean nose of grapefruit and grass but not in that overbearing way that can be the case with SB. Once in the mouth SB steps aside and the Semillon becomes the “boss”. Apricot and pears pop up and the initial dose of mouth watering acidity gives way to a wonderful roundness that allows for a long finish. — a year ago

with Stephen

GV

9.5

Stiegl is a very fine brewery based in Salzburg, Austria, with a tradition of brewing since 1492. Stiegl means small steps, and this superb lager is worth drinking slowly to savour. Bright, light, and smooth with a classic bread and light hopped taste. — 3 years ago