The brainchild of current Giant Steps winemaker Steve ‘Flamo’ Flamsteed and former Giant Steps winemaker Dave ‘Bro’ Mackintosh – I’ve had email contact with them so it’s okay to use their nicknames – with ex-Giant Steps viticulturalist Sharon Hebbard filling out the connection as manager of the Gladysdale Vineyard from which the grapes were sourced. 85% whole bunch pressed with the remaining 15% fermented on skins and stems. Classy fruit interpreted in a clever way.
Suggestions of apple custard danish amongst nectarine, apricot kernel and honeycomb on the nose. Some cheesy solids funk is right at home. Immediate depth and appeal here and it follows through on the palate with a spark of bright acidity and some chewy phenolics providing shedloads of textural satisfaction. Inbuilt complexity and sensuality see the wine drinking well even at this early stage. I’ll be emptying a few bottles of this in the next six months. Excellent
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: November 2011