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97
/ 100
James Halliday's Wine Companion
Red
Classification
Pinot Noir
Variety
2023
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
Victoria, Yarra Valley
Region
13.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
97 / 100"Made with 20% whole bunches. All D clones. Matured in barriques (20% new). A light, very bright crimson. Smells like a rose garden with a little lavender thrown in! You'll also find aromas of sour cherries and blood oranges. Poised, elegant and persistent, this flows mellifluously across the palate. A classic Upper Yarra pinot, driven as much by its fine vein of acidity as its silken tannins."
- James Halliday's Wine Companion
Tasting Notes
The 2023 Giant Steps Bastard Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is a significant debut for this storied vineyard in the Yarra Valley.
Planted by the legendary Ray Guerin in 1986, Bastard Hill sits on steep slopes with volcanic loam soils at elevations reaching 380 metres. This high-altitude site, once dedicated to sparkling wine, has gained a reputation for producing exquisite Pinot Noir. Its name reflects both the vineyard's challenging terrain and its potential for greatness, now being realised under the careful stewardship of Giant Steps and Mel Chester.
The 2023 vintage was marked by a cool growing season with a late harvest, resulting in grapes with excellent fruit concentration and natural acidity. The Pinot Noir was handpicked in two parcels and 100% destemmed before fermenting in small seasoned French oak vats. Fermented separately, each clone underwent a four-day cold soak and spent 10-14 days on skins. The wine matured in French oak barriques, with 20% new oak enhancing its compl
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity