If you're a fan of classic Pinot Noir, or in the mood for a refreshing red for Summer, try the 2021 edition of Giant Steps (named for an album of jazz legend John Coltrane) from Yarra Valley, Australia! Like most wine regions outside of Europe, the profile is fruit-driven, though the cool, rainy climate of its home helps restrain the concentration of that fruit relative to typical California or Oregon examples. It's an elegant, mid-bodied expression of the grape, with a clear nod to the traditions of Burgundy: some of the ferment includes whole grape clusters, which contributes to both an intense fruited perfume and a gentle spicy/woodsy quality; the fermentation is spontaneous (without addition of a cultured yeast); and the finished wine is neither filtered nor fined, which helps to maintain the intense and pure flavors of the fruit.
The appearance is immediately enticing, with its youthful, pale ruby hue. Intense aromas of zingy raspberry and plump red cherry are pleasantly accented with a peppery wild herb edge. On the palate, the bright fruit on entry becomes a bit fleshier in the softly-textured middle, though the wine maintains its refreshing mid-bodied weight; the peppery wild herb edge appears again, providing a welcome counterpoint. The fruit delicately lingers on the mouthwateringly fresh finish, along with a soft tea-like character that accompanies a very gentle tannic tug. While French oak is used in aging, the oak influence is nuanced (those are the spice and caramel notes in Wine Sepctator's review). This is a delicious, youthful wine to drink now; just remember to serve it cool to the touch!
WINE SPECTATOR, INSIDER 94 POINTS, #18 TOP WINE OF 2022 - "Stunning, with terrific focus and intensity to the core of Earl Grey tea, firm, juicy cherry, raspberry and white pepper flavors. Notes of clove and green cardamom linger on the finish, with a touch of salted caramel. Drink now through 2034."
The appearance is immediately enticing, with its youthful, pale ruby hue. Intense aromas of zingy raspberry and plump red cherry are pleasantly accented with a peppery wild herb edge. On the palate, the bright fruit on entry becomes a bit fleshier in the softly-textured middle, though the wine maintains its refreshing mid-bodied weight; the peppery wild herb edge appears again, providing a welcome counterpoint. The fruit delicately lingers on the mouthwateringly fresh finish, along with a soft tea-like character that accompanies a very gentle tannic tug. While French oak is used in aging, the oak influence is nuanced (those are the spice and caramel notes in Wine Sepctator's review). This is a delicious, youthful wine to drink now; just remember to serve it cool to the touch!
WINE SPECTATOR, INSIDER 94 POINTS, #18 TOP WINE OF 2022 - "Stunning, with terrific focus and intensity to the core of Earl Grey tea, firm, juicy cherry, raspberry and white pepper flavors. Notes of clove and green cardamom linger on the finish, with a touch of salted caramel. Drink now through 2034."
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