2010 Giant Steps "Sexton" Pinot Noir

Wine Advocate
"91+ pts ... A single vineyard wine from the Sexton vineyard planted in 1997, the 2010 Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir underwent a wild fermentation in small open top fermenters using 10% whole bunches and was matured 11 months in new (30%) and older French oak barriques. Medium rubypurple colored, it offers a moderate intensity of ripe red cherry and pomegranate aromas with hints of cedar, lavender and cinnamon stick. Light to medium bodied, it gives a good amount of pure red berry flavors supported by crisp acid and a low level of fine-grained tannins. The finish is long with a little cinnamon toast coming though the berry vibrancy.”"

James Halliday
"96 pts ...From the estate vineyard, with seven clones, 10% whole bunches, remainder destemmed, not crushed (the same for all four wines); five-day cold soak, 12-day ferment with minimal plunging 24% new French oak, 25% one-year old; like all four wines, 11 months in oak. A highly fragrant bouquet with cherry and wild strawberry fruit that carries through to the silky palate. Very attractive wine."

Stephen Tanzer
"92 pts ... Light, bright red. An exotic, perfumed bouquet displays raspberry, blackberry, sandalwood and lavender, plus a hint of blood orange. Racy but deep in red and dark berry flavor, showing exotic floral and spice nuances and strong minerality. Finishes on a tangy blood orange note, with excellent clarity."

Winemaker's Notes
"The Sexton Pinot Noir is wonderfully intricate: notes of wild blackberry, dried mushroom, mulberry bush with braised plum, cinnamon stick and sour cherry. Its focused and fine tannins are assisted by judicious Burgundian oak treatment."

Technical Notes
"The 75 acre Giant Steps vineyard is on the north face of the Warramate Ranges in the central Yarra Valley, an hour east of Melbourne. Established across a series of ridges rising from the 300 to 1000 foot level, the vineyard is planted to rocky/gravelly clays. The pinot plantings comprise a selection of seven different clonal variations, sourced from Burgundy, Australia and New Zealand. Aged for 11 months in French oak, 20% new. 13.5% alc."