This is a new single vineyard offering from Giant Steps. The Applejack vineyard lies in Gladysdale, the Upper Yarra Valley at an elevation of 330 metres. The vines were planted in 2001 on red/brown volcanic soils.
Love the aromatic characters here. As much roasted bell pepper, spice and foresty earth as red fruit. Slightly smokey, faintly herbal and just plain fascinating.
Cut the conversation, just open your mouth
Silky soft – a sensual fleshiness that drags you deeper and deeper into the wine’s thrall. Cinnamon, black spice and plums ravish the tongue while nymph-like cranberries flirt playfully around the darker depths. Whole bunch tannin adds an androgynous structural edge to a delicate line of acid. In a word? Captivating. Very Good – Excellent
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $45
Tasted: September 2011
Hey Jeremy,
Nice note. I went up to Healsville last Friday with the purpose of tasting the Giant Steps 2010 range. Really really impressive. Excitingly so actually.
Although I went home with both the Tarrafords (ok, and the Harry’s Monster as well) this was the most intriguing of the Pinots for me. A wildness to it that comes through with the whole bunch character.
Hmmm, see, even now got me thinking about going there again….
Dave
Thanks Dave. Couldn’t agree more about the intrigue/character in this Applejack – so compelling that it made the wine somewhat difficult to rate. Not that wine is all about ratings…
The Tarraford Pinot and Chardonnay were my picks from the new releases. A very special vineyard that one. The 2010 vintage in the Yarra Valley is presenting some extremely exciting wines and Giant Steps have certainly contributed their share. Impressive work across the board.